Sleeping and Eating Our Way Through Japan: A Fun & Honest Review of Hotels and Restaurants

Japan was a dream destination for us, and while the sights were breathtaking, the real adventure happened in the hotels we slept in and the restaurants we devoured meals at. From futuristic toilets to sushi so fresh it practically swam onto our plates, here’s our fun (but brutally honest) review of where we stayed and what we ate in Japan!

Hotels We Stayed At: The Good & The Great

1. DoubleTree by Hilton Tokyo Ariake ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why We Loved It:

• Newly opened in December 2024, so everything felt fresh and modern.

• Our room (#1515) had a comfy bed, a bidet, and even pajamas—perfect for our first night in Japan!

• Breakfast was good, though we were hesitant about some options due to gluten and dairy concerns.

The "Could Be Better":

• The queen bed was pushed against the wall, making space a bit tight.

• The gym was spacious but required stepping outside to access it—not ideal in chilly February weather!

  
  

2. DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why We Loved It:

• We stayed in a traditional tatami room (#604), which was a unique and cozy experience.

• The on-site restaurant, Open Table, offered fantastic gluten-free and dairy-free breakfast and dinner options.

• Our private Ofuro bath was a highlight—it’s all about relaxation, detoxification, and stress relief.

  
  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  

The "Could Be Better":

• Sleeping could be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with it.

  
  

3. Hilton Tokyo Shinjuku ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why We Loved It:

• The Executive Lounge was a game-changer: unlimited coffee, soft drinks, snacks, and even wine in the evenings!

• Breakfast near the main lobby had a wider variety of gluten-free and dairy-free options.

• Great location—just a short walk to the government building for incredible projection displays.

• The yukatas provided in-room were so stylish, we almost bought one!

  
  
  

  
  
  

The "Could Be Better":

• The weight room in the gym was tiny—only space for one or two people at a time.

  
  

Restaurants That Blew Our Minds

1. Soy Milk Ramen - Kyoto 🍜⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A rare gem for gluten-free and vegan ramen lovers! We loved it so much, we ate here twice. The steamed and fried dumplings were also incredible—I preferred the fried, while my husband loved the steamed ones. The warm water was a nice touch before ordering on a chilly evening.

2. Shalom - Kyoto 🥩⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you’ve never tried OMI beef, you must. It’s in the same class as Kobe beef, and it literally melts in your mouth. The restaurant was just two minutes from our hotel, and the owners were incredibly friendly. We even learned about Kyoto’s pure water source, which enhances the taste of everything, including the beef!

3. Kyoto Samurai Experience 🏯⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Activity Bonus!)

This was hands-down the best activity we booked. We arrived at 9:45 AM to get dressed as samurais before the session started at 10 AM. We got a history lesson, a sword demonstration, practiced techniques with wooden swords, and then wielded a real katana to cut a tatami roll. The session ended with meditation—an unforgettable experience!

4. Hamburger Okomedoki - Shibuya 🍔⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We had grilled chicken burgers on gluten-free rice buns which looks like rice patties, one with bacon and garlic chips. Super filling and surprisingly satisfying! The homemade lemonade started mild but got tastier as we drank. Ordering was done via an app, and we picked up our meal once our number appeared on the screen. A great find!

Final Thoughts: Would We Stay and Eat There Again?

Japan spoiled us with unforgettable meals and cozy hotels, and even the minor inconveniences were part of the adventure. If you’re planning your trip, take our advice—book early and go where the locals go.

Where have you stayed and eaten in Japan that blew your mind (or disappointed you)?

Let us know in the comments!