Just got back from two weeks visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Busan, and Seoul with family. This post is to highlight things we enjoyed.

Amazing food

• Ebisu, Tokyo: ramen with cheese (Tsukumo Ramen Ebisu Honten) with Ice Ouca nearby. Both were great.
• Kyoto: Gyukatsu at Katsugyu: cook beef on your own hot stone. This walk-in beat our dinner reservations.
• Kyoto: Journey Tabikori shave ice (Pontocho): can’t go wrong with giant, top-tier shave ice.
• Ikseon-dong, Seoul: Jaeyondo salt bread came out of the bag still warm. The best bread.
• Hongdae, Seoul: BBQ chicken: amazing KFC spot where Jensen Huang visited.

Walkable, vibrant areas

• Cat Street, Harajuku: great to wander, lots of shops.
• Arashiyama bridge area, Kyoto: walk around with % Arabica coffee.
• Pontocho alley + Kamo River, Kyoto: great vibes at night.
• Shinsekai, Osaka: old tower lit up at night.
• Gwangalli beach, Busan: good to walk at night.
• Cheongsapo / Haeundae coast, Busan: scenic area with the sky capsule mini-train.
• Cheonggyecheon stream, Seoul: nice to stroll; check out Hikr Ground nearby.

Some random Japan & Korea tips

• Anecdotally, transit cards are easier to drain in Korea than Japan. The Japanese convenience store limited us to one Suica/IC card per transaction. At the Korean convenience store, they let us use multiple T-money cards in one purchase.
• Korean department stores close one day a month, and it’s not obvious. Shinsegae Centum in Busan was closed when we showed up. Check first.
• At Incheon Airport Terminal 2, the Korean food court on B1 is a great last Korean meal before the flight.

With June being Japan’s rainy season, it’s a less popular time to visit. I’ve enjoyed my trips to Japan & Korea in June and wouldn’t hesitate to go back in the future if given the opportunity to.