JAPAN

Tokyo

Time of year: April 

Stayed: The Celestine, but would recommend The Palace Hotel for a more central location.

Highlight: The gardens Meiji Jingu Inner Garden, and a night out in Golden Gai

Kyoto

Time of year: April

Stayed: Hotel Resol

Ate: 

• Premarche Gelateria 

• REN Vegan

• Pettirosso

Tip: Hike all the way to the top of Fushimi Inari Shrine (the orange gates) to avoid the crowds and truly experience the beauty of the shrine.

Ugenta

Time of year: April

Stayed: Ugenta Ryokan

Highlight: Mount Kurama hike

Next time: 

• Kurama Hot Springs 

• Dine at over-water restaurants 

Nara

Time of year: April

Stayed: Piazza Hotel Nara

Ate: 

• Surugamachi's Okonomiyakiya

• CoCo Curry House

• Fujimon seimen

Highlight: Feeding the deer at Nara Park 

Tip: You only need one full day to explore 

Naoshima

Time of year: April

Stayed: Benesse House

Ate: 

• Aisunao

• Benesse House on-site restaurants 

Highlight (all part of the Benesse House experience): 

• Chichu Art Museum 

• Walk around the island 

• Art House Project 

HONG KONG

Hong Kong 

Time of year: May

Stayed: Mira Hong Kong

Ate: Mott 32 (known for their Peking Duck)