The Iron Kitchen Guide to Japan -No.5-

Mount Takao

If you aren't doing Fuji and you want monkeys and mountains, this is the place. If you go, you also need to visit the Takao-san Monkey Park. 

Kyoto – Kiyomisudera

The most famous temple in Japan.

Nara Deer Park

For all your feeding deer and reclining Buddha needs. 

Kamakura Giant Buddha

If you only see one Buddha, make it this Buddha (or the other one above). View on http://www.sacred-destinations.com/japan/kamakura-great-buddha

Yoyogi Park

Go for the greenery - stay for the Goths. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3034_002.html

Kinkakuji, Kyoto

Famed Golden Pavillion may be a travel cliché but it is breathtakingly beautiful. www.japan- guide.com/e/e3908.html

The Iron Kitchen Guide to Japan -No.4-

Odaiba

A bit of geek’s paradise – my husband loves this place. There’s a giant Gundam robot and my husband bought a full yellow and black replica Bruce Lee outfit here. It also has a decent Ferris Wheel and aquarium.
Tokyo Travel: Odaiba (Daiba) 

Shinjuku - Kabuki-cho / Golden Gai

Good for a night out - loads of food, bars, etc. Blade Runner meets Soho vibe. Old school Tokyo – loads of tiny, lovely bars and eateries.  

Yokohama

If you get a chance, go to Yokohama, it's loads of fun and the Yokohama Anpanman Children's Museum and Mall is there. 

Akihabara

For all your electronics needs – you may need transformers and plug adaptors but great place for a visit even if you’re not buying. akiba.or.jp/english/ 

The Iron Kitchen guide to Japan -No.3-

Tsukiji Fish Market

Loads of fun and a must for sushi lovers. Drinking sake and Japanese beer and eating raw fish at 7 in the morning with market workers will give you a taste for the real Japan. Get there early – 4am or 5am in the morning. 

Flea markets Osaka

Osaka has shiploads of flea markets and vintage shops - we spent days and days wandering around these. 

Sumo wrestling

Tickets can be hard to come by but it's a must if you can get there. View on http://www.sumo.or.jp/en/index

Skytree

Tallest tower in the world – great views (obviously). 

Tokyo Imperial Palace

You’ll be going here anyway but here’s a link www.japan-guide.com/e/e3017.html

The Iron Kitchen guide to Japan -No.2-

Nikko Edo Village

Fabulous Ninja theme park. Even my husband’s 70-year-old dad enjoyed it and he doesn’t like anything except his grandson, Scotch and crime novels! 

Fuji Q Highland and Onsen at Fuji Q Highland

Fuji Q is a great theme park and has the biggest roller coaster in Japan plus a terrifying J- horror exhibit/maze/performance art chase. The bath house (onsen) next door is excellent. 

Alice in Wonderland restaurant

Fun, weird and does a lovely stew. A must for Lewis Carroll, Disney or Cosplay fans. Alice's Fantasy Restaurant

Ueno Koen Zoo and flea market

Beautiful park and zoo in the heart of Tokyo. If you're not into zoos, the park is lovely and the flea markets are great. 

Alcatraz ER

Not anyone's idea of a local but fun for an evening.  http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue/23574/Alcatraz-ER