Take a tour of our Christmas living room and see five timeless holiday decorating ideas to add cozy comfort to your traditional home.

When it comes to decorating for the holiday season, I decided to take things easy this year. Don't get me wrong - I always enjoy putting up the Christmas decorations and making my traditional home a cozy haven. But to be honest, 2024 felt a little heavy and I didn't quite have the heart to decorate the whole house like I've done in previous years. 

So I focused on just one. I'll think you'll agree that creating a classic and cozy living room was enough to get us in the holiday spirit.

My holiday decor always tends to focus on timeless, classic accents that bring a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Whether you have a small living room or a grand space, you can create a beautiful gathering space for family and friends the easy way with a few simple elements. 

These five elements are the ones I repeat year after year and are my favourite ways to bring festive cheer to our main living area.

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Let's start with the focal point of the room, the fireplace mantel. In our own home, standing at the front door, the fireplace beckons you in. Even if you have a large tree in your living room, I'd argue that the fireplace will still be the center of attention. There is nothing like a roaring fire and a garland of faux or fresh greenery to make you feel instantly cozy at this time of year.

The past couple of years I've relied on this trick: layering two different garlands and scalloping them along the front of the mantel. You can see this post for tips on how to hang a garland on a mantel. Using a combination of garlands allows you to combine textures and give your garland fullness. 

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In the past, I've used Norfolk pine, cedar garlands and magnolia garlands for my mantel. You can combine your garlands with natural greenery, accent sprays, beads, and branches for a look that is organic and elegant.

The garland is also the perfect place to showcase your color scheme. This year, I've gone with a mix of natural materials like pine cones and wood beads, the prettiest French blue satin ribbons, and white and gold ornaments and accents. Chat GPT calls this look "French Alpine Noel" which I think is just lovely and apropos! Of course, furry mukluks and twinkling lights are a must and the cable knit stockings make an appearance every year.

One of my favourite ways to create coziness in large spaces is to make sure there's a corner or seating area that is so inviting, you can't help but plop yourself down. The window seat in our living room does just that, but you can create a cozy corner with an armchair, a sofa, or even ottomans. 

The key is to combine warmth, comfort, and convenience in one spot:

• Provide a throw blanket that can be tossed on your legs, wrapped around you, or cover you up for those chilly nights.
• Have a place nearby to put down your book or hot cocoa. This can be an accent or side table or the coffee table.
• Ensure comfort and encourage lounging by having plump cushions to sit or lean back on. I've been using these pillow inserts for the last decade and just change the pillow covers to match my seasonal decor.
• Provide ample light, either natural light or with lamps, sconces, and other light sources. Our living room windows allow our window seat to bask in the crisp December light. At night, the bookcase sconces and tea lights provide ambient glow.

If you can, decorate the seating area to add that extra special feeling. Here, I've framed the window with antique sleigh bells, one of my best thrift store finds, a garland, and simple ribbon.

Do you use a real tree or an artificial tree? I love the convenience and no-mess nature of an artificial tree. Even if yours is a small tree and you don't have high ceilings, you can still create a classic Christmas tree. I do love a flocked white Christmas tree but  Over the years, I've discovered a bit of a "recipe" to doing so.

SHOP CLASSIC HOLIDAY DECOR:

One of the holiday decorating ideas that has a great impact is incorporating different sources of lighting. While typical everyday lighting in your living room or family room consists of overhead lighting or table lamps, you can bring in a few new things to create ambiance and set a festive mood. 

Consider different lighting options scattered throughout the room. These lights help set the mood and provide light for those early dark winter afternoons:

- real or faux battery operated candlesticks. These look great clustered on a mantel

- rechargeable tea lights. I bought this set of tea lights with remote control and they are a game changer! I no longer have to walk around the room each night and switch them off as I used to with battery operated lights. Pair them with clear or mercury glass trees for an elegant and wintry look

- battery operated lanterns. I love that there are so many lanterns out on the market now - you can easily find lanterns to suit your holiday style. Large and shiny chrome lanterns look great on the fireplace hearth. Smaller lanterns can be placed on a console table or on a bookcase

Don't have a fireplace in your living room? You can still create a cozy mood with soft, textured textiles. Throw pillows and cozy blankets can be placed on every sofa or chair to make it more welcoming for guests. You can also consider wrapping the seat of your chair or sofa with a blanket. This not only changes up your every day look, but makes the seating more comfortable (and stain resistant!).  

I also like this fun idea: wrap a soft scarf around any of your figurines for a whimsical touch.

Lastly, another easy way to use blankets to add to that Christmas spirit is to place folded blankets or throws on a bookcase or shelf. They not only look great, but are within arm's reach for those chilly nights.

I added a few holiday touches in our formal dining room. Here's a peek!

You can see that the blue satin ribbon, gold accents, and blue and white jars that I used in the living room make an appearance here too. These simple accessories work well with the vintage mirror and white sideboard we already had in the space. 

Festive and elegant, the gold trees and paper house create a delightful vignette against the floral wallpaper. The faux greenery brings a touch of nature to this formal space.

Are you putting more thought into the Christmas gifts you're giving this year? You're not the only one! Perhaps its because holiday gift-giving budgets are a little tighter, or you're focusing on giving fewer gifts but higher quality, or maybe because this year feels like it was a really, really hard one... gifts seem to hold more meaning than ever before.

Note: affiliate links have been included in this post.

Which is why I was eager to share this year's Christmas gift guides with you. I love to use my little space on the internet to help make your life easier. So I've scoured what's out there, thought about the trends worth investing in, and have put together the best holiday gift ideas for each person on your list. Have a look and I hope it takes some stress out of the holidays. There's nothing like finding that perfect gift for the special people in your life.

Gift Guides:

 

Christmas Gifts for Women

1. She'll love the ability to replace her blow dryer, curling iron, and brushes with the all-in-one Shark HD430 FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System. Reviewers note the ease of use and the salon-worthy results.

2. The Pufftech Relaxed Jacket is one she'll love to reach for on those milder winter days. Water repellant and lightweight, layered over a hoodie or a long sleeved top, its a versatile coat that provides the warmth she needs.

3. Cozy lounging never looked so good. Gift her these cable knit pants and matching cable knit sweater, perfect for work from home or cozy nights in

4. These birthstone huggie earrings are the ideal gift: personalized and stylish. They add a bit of sparkle to any outfit!

5. A combination of a soft velour exterior and faux fur guarantee these warm-lined slippers from H&M will help keep her toes warm on chilly days.

6. Practical and pretty, she'll love lounging after the shower in this luxurious towel wrap. It comes in various colours but this cornflower blue floral with a contrast blue edge is my choice

7. Whether for an overnight trip or a few days away, this quilted cotton duffel bag is a stylish choice.

8. I own a few Merit products and they make getting ready simple and effortless but my absolute favourite is this Flush Balm Cream Blush in a surprising Rouge red shade. I'm not normally a fan of red but this blush adds brightness and fun to my everyday makeup!

9. I did not expect to love this Sidekick Crossbody Bag as much as I do. My husband gifted it to me for Christmas last year and it proved to be the perfect bag for everything from date nights to our travels in Japan.

10. I have these vintage design warm wool socks and wear them almost exclusively throughout the winter. They're great for around the house or wearing with your winter boots.

Christmas Gifts for Men

1. Warm yet breathable, he'll appreciate not having to take off these Winter Knit Touch Screen Gloves in freezing weather.

2. I've gifted my husband a few watches over the years but this Fossil Men’s Machine Quartz Stainless Steel Watch with Leather Bracelet is by far his favourite. It's casual enough to wear every day and he loves wearing the bracelet with the watch or on its own.

3. We recently upgraded our cottage coffeemaker to the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso Machine with Aeroccino and I think it makes the perfect gift for the coffee loving dude in your life. It's great for both hot and cold coffee recipes and the Aeroccino easily adds lattes and cappuccinos to the mix.

4. My husband owns no less than three of these Men's Long Sleeve Serious Sweats Full Zip Hoodies. They are thick yet not bulky, warm but not too hot, and the colour doesn't fade. The perfect hoodie? He thinks so!

5. The Banana Republic Travel pants have been a long time favourite of my husband's and the new Slim Travel Corduroy Pant is his newest must-have. A flattering and comfortable fit.

6. These Gold Toe Mens Stanton Crew Socks are very highly rated. Sean loves the thick quality and how the socks stay up. Lots of choice in patterns and colours too.

7. Is your guy in need of a good, everyday belt? This Webbing Belt will fit the bill. The leather ends elevate this casual look.

8. For the man who travels a lot, this Men's Long Sleeve Travel Kit Shirt will be a great addition to his work wardrobe. It has a moisture-wicking fabric that will keep him dry and comfortable, no matter the weather.

9. This embroidered hat has a nice nostalgic feel that will add style to his weekend outfits

10. What guy couldn't use this Leather Cable and Charger Travel Organizer Bag? Sleek and compact, it comes in various colours and can be personalized too.

SHOP THIS GIFT GUIDE:

1. Teen girls absolutely love personalized gifts and this Zodiac Charm Necklace is the chicest kind. I'd love one for me too!

2. Favorite Daughter? My only daughter would love this sweatshirt (but let's just ignore that it's not Canadian spelling, ok?)

3. My teen would tell you that these Beats Solo 4 - Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones are comfortable to wear, easy to carry around, and have great sound quality.

4. Truth: I was introduced to this Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Mini Blush and Luminize Trio by my daughter who bought a set with her birthday money. Don't tell her, but I borrow the Luminizer when I want a hint of glow on my cheekbones and tip of my nose.

5. Another product that my teen daughter and I share? This Heatless Hair Curler For Overnight. It really does live up to the hype and produces stay-all-day bouncy curls

6. For an active teen, these SMOOTHEZ Everyday Boyshort Underwear are a dream. They stay put, don't ride up, and give a seamless look.

7. I myself am a cotton pjs type of girl, but my daughter loves anything satin. These Women's Short Sleeve Satin Pajamas are her favourite.

8. Every teen girl needs a pair of UGGs in her life. These Women's Classic Mini II Boot will go with any outfit.

9. Wearing pajama pants outdoors are now a thing and I love this take: Aerie Off-Duty Flannel Trouser PJ which feel soft and cozy but the pinstripe design won't leave you looking like you just rolled out of bed. 

10. This Brazilian Crush Cheirosa ’62 Bum Bum Hair & Body Fragrance Mist feels like summer. It's a light, long-lasting fragrance that isn't overpowering.

SHOP THIS GIFT GUIDE:

1. This Monos Carry-On Pro luggage has excellent reviews and it's easy to see why. The petite proportions, built-in front compartment, telescoping handle, and four wheels make travel a breeze. Comes in a variety of colours but I'm partial to this cheery banana yellow!

2. Stay comfy and cozy on travel days in this Women's 2 Piece Sweater Set Jogger.

3. Never worry about losing luggage again with this Apple AirTag 4 Pack

4. This RFID Family Passport Wallet Holder took the stress out of recent travels. It held all our passports, luggage keys, and essential credit cards and fit easily into our day bag.

5. I like the slightly larger size of this Everywhere Crossbody Bag 2L. With gold hardware, it can be dressed up or down and the multiple compartments ensure you don't lose a thing.

6. Don't travel anywhere without this Power Bank with Built in Cables. It's lightweight and compact, and I found it to be great for daily use or for longer trips.

7. This Waterproof Nylon Weekender Travel Bag is extremely versatile. It's the perfect size for overnight trips, as a gym bag, or use it as a carry-on bag. This bag plus our our carry-on luggage was all I needed for a three week Japan vacation!

8. Trust me when I say the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14 is the most comfortable running shoe you will ever own. For days when you're walking 15,000+ steps, you'll appreciate the foam cushioning and support. I love it so much, I own it in two colours!

9. I've officially become a packing cube convert. This Amazon Basics 4 Piece Packing Cubes Travel Organizer Set provides all the essentials to help you find more space in the luggage you already have.

10. Keep your tech cords and cables organized in this Electronics Travel Organizer. Stylish and compact, its great for everyday use.

SHOP THIS GIFT GUIDE:

1. Place this Cordless Rechargeable Table Lamp with Built-in Dimmer anywhere you need to cast a little bit of light - from your kitchen counter, bedside corner, to out on the patio.

2. These EUROPEAN FLAX ™-Certified Linen Buffalo Check Napkins, Set of 8 are a lovely complement to any table setting. Comes in different colours, but I like this Marin Walnut Brown colour for warmth.

3. The Handcrafted Gingerbread Village House - Wide 6" is sure to be a treasured keepsake you'll love to bring out every holiday season.

4. This Mix 20-piece Flatware Set is on my own personal Christmas wish list. Flatware needs to have the right balance of feeling good in your hand and can work for any occasion. This set looks just right. 

5. We recently replaced our everyday pans with this HexClad 6-piece Hybrid Fry Pan Set with Lids and I couldn't be more thrilled. The pans heat quickly, cook evenly, and wash up beautifully. Our previous pans were a bit too high maintenance and lost their non-stick property quickly, but these pans have proven to be easy and simple for everyday use. Highly recommend!

6. Practical and stylish, the KitchenAid ® Artisan® Design Series Evergreen 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is a gift that will be cherished for decades to come. The matte evergreen finish and walnut bowl make this one a standout.

7. Bedtime will be a dream in this Organic Cotton Percale Printed Sheet Set - Iluka Aloe. Pair it with a solid duvet and mini block print throw for a lively, welcoming look.

8. This Cook's Toolset makes a lovely and useful gift for the home. Excellent quality and durable materials ensure these tools can stand up to all your kitchen needs.

SHOP THIS GIFT GUIDE:

1. Families will love spending chilly nights putting together this Michael Storrings Christmas in London – 1000 Piece Puzzle.

2. Gift one or a few of these Amelia Wooden Frames to create a gallery of family memories

3. These stackable drinking glasses are pretty enough to keep out on display

4. This Recess Pickleball Starter Set comes with 2 Premium Pickleball Paddles and 4 Pickle Balls, great for beginners 

5. Cold wintry nights are a perfect time to bring out this Nostalgia Tabletop Indoor Electric S'mores Maker.

6. The Dash Hot Air Popcorn Popper is a must have for family movie nights. We love how quick and easy it is to use!

7. The kids will be fighting over this Eddie Bauer Throw Blanket with Super Soft Reversible Sherpa Fleece

8. How pretty are these floral bookshelf games? They're compact and look adorable stored on a shelf.

9. Of course, you'll need popcorn to put in that popcorn maker. This Popcorn Seasoning 16 Pack and 5 Gourmet Popcorn Kernels is sure to satisfy every tastebud

SHOP THIS GIFT GUIDE:

Japan has an undeniable appeal for many travellers and planning that first trip can feel overwhelming. This country has sat on my bucket list for a very long time and I wanted to get it just right and create the perfect adventure for me, my husband and teenage daughter. Japan offers a magical blend of futuristic cities, ancient temples, and serene landscapes, making it ideal for those us seeking culture, food, and exploration.

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Japan Itinerary 

I wanted to tailor this guide for others just like me: first-time visitors who enjoy travel but appreciate planning and organizing their own trip. If you're looking for mid-priced accommodations—not too budget or luxury—and want to experience Japan’s highlights without falling into tourist traps, I have you covered.  This three-week Japan itinerary includes iconic destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, with side trips to Hiroshima and Miyajima, and Hakone which are well worth seeing. Plus, I've included some insider tips that will help your vacation go smoother! Tip #1: buy some comfortable shoes. You'll need them for this trip!

I do like a busy vacation schedule. If you prefer a slower pace, feel free to adjust the itinerary by excluding activities or adding in rest days to suit your needs!

How Long Should You Stay In Japan As A Tourist?

When deciding how long to stay in Japan, it depends on how much you want to explore. 

Just bring your own hot-weather travel essentials: a portable fan, cooling towel, drink lots of water or Pocari Sweat, and grab a UV-umbrella and stylish face towel while you're there (I grabbed a super cute one at the shops at Fushimi Inari Shrine!). And be sure to dress for the weather!

But don't let any of that dissuade you. The Japanese people are helpful and accustomed to having tourists from all over the world.

Week 1: Tokyo and Hakone Adventures

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

After a long flight, the first thing you’ll want is a smooth transition from the airport to your hotel, so let’s start with some transportation tips. We flew into Narita Airport and took the Narita Express (N'EX). It will take you directly to central Tokyo in about an hour, with stops in Shinjuku (where we were staying) and Shibuya, two of the city's most convenient areas to stay in. Get a ticket for the N'EX online or at the JR East Travel Center in the airport terminal.

You can also pick up a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) if you need one, and a Suica card at the JR East Travel Center. It's a good idea to get a Suica card on your first day. 

The Suica card is a prepaid rechargeable contactless smart card that you can just tap to pay fares for train lines, subways, and can also be used as payment in some convenience stores. If you have an iPhone, you can also load a digital Suica card instead. Pasmo card is another card that operates the same as Suica.

Where To Stay In Tokyo

For your stay, consider booking a hotel in Shinjuku, Shibuya or Ginza. Shinjuku and Shibuya are both vibrant areas packed with restaurants, shopping, and easy access to Tokyo's top sights. Ginza offers higher end accommodations and walking distance to flagship stores of top brands from Uniqlo to Gucci.

Dealing with jet lag and time change, I always like to have a bit of comfort and familiarity on my first night so we stayed at the Hilton Tokyo. It was conveniently located with beautiful city views and a short walk to the subway.

Day 2: Tokyo - Explore Shinjuku

First time visitors should absolutely start their first full day with a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The free panoramic views are stunning and a wonderful way to be welcomed to Tokyo, the largest city in the world.

From there, hop on the subway at Shinjuku Station to the Asakusa District. I'll be honest - Shinjuku Station is massive and intimidating. It is one of the world’s busiest train stations, handling over 3.6 million passengers a day!! 

The Asakusa Tourist Information Centre offers fantastic views of the area, including the iconic Senso-ji buddhist temple and Tokyo Skytree. Take a stroll down lively Nakamise Shopping Street before reaching Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Don’t forget to follow temple etiquette, like bowing and purifying your hands at the entrance. For lunch, stop at Kura Sushi Asakusa, an authentic conveyor belt sushi spot where you can grab fresh plates as they pass by.

From there, you can walk to Kappabashi, Tokyo's kitchenware district, where stores offer beautiful Japanese cooking tools and high-quality knives. A quick subway back to the hotel leaves you time in the evening to explore Shinjuku. The famous 3D cat billboard, Godzilla head, and narrow streets of Omoide Yokocho are definitely worth seeing.

Day 3: Tokyo - Shibuya & Harajuku

Begin this day at Meiji Shrine, a tranquil oasis and Shinto shrine in the heart of Shibuya. The stroll through the peaceful grounds and seeing the traditional Shinto architecture was one of my favourite experiences.

Next, take a short walk to Harajuku’s Takeshita Street, known for its vibrant fashion and unique shops. It's a great place to find vintage clothing, affordable finds, and delicious sweet treats. Nearby Tokyu Plaza Omotesando is the main street to admire striking Japanese modern architecture.

Finally, make your way to Shibuya Scramble Crossing, one of Tokyo’s most iconic sights. Early evening is the best time to enjoy the famous Shibuya Crossing and lively atmosphere of the surrounding district.

📌 TIP: For fast, inexpensive, and easy ready-to-eat meals, visit the hot counter in most convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawsons, Family Mart) or the "Depachika" food halls found in the basement of Tokyo's large department stores.

Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone

After a busy few days in Tokyo, you can find respite in Hakone, a picturesque hot spring resort town known for its stunning natural landscapes including views of Mount Fuji. Hakone's relaxing hot springs and cultural attractions are the perfect place to rejuvenate and spend some time in nature.

Travel by Romancecar from Tokyo to Hakone, enjoying the quick glimpse of Mt Fuji along the route (be sure to sit on the right side of the train for the best view!) For discounted travel, make use of the Hakone Free Pass, which provides access to various attractions and transportation options.

📌  TIP:  Pick up your Romancecar ticket and Hakone Free Pass a day or two prior at the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in Shinjuku Station.

Every minute counts when you're travelling. If you don't have much time to go to your hotel, take advantage of the stress-free luggage delivery service at Hakone-Yumoto station. We had them transfer our carry-on luggage directly to the Hakone Hotel Kowaki-en which left us free to go sightsee. The Hotel Kowaki-en is a stunning, newly renovated hotel. I loved the traditional Japanese pajamas and slippers (everyone wore them to dinner and breakfast), the ample buffet with Western and Japanese food options, and free access to the Yunessun Hot Springs Park next door.

Your memorable experience in Hakone starts with taking the switchback Hakone Tozan Train to Gora Station. Known as the "Hydrangea Train", July is the perfect time to see the sides of the tracks blooming with colourful hydrangeas.

After a quick stop at Hakone No Mori for the fluffiest pancakes, you are ready to explore Hakone Gora Park with its beautiful gardens and tranquil atmosphere. Be sure to check out cultural activities like the tea ceremony or glass bead blowing. Our teenager absolutely loved this activity and it was a a fun way to make a unique souvenir.

Lastly, don't miss the Hakone Open Air Museum. I was blown away the Picasso museum and the impressive sculptures, all set in a spectacular outdoor setting.

Day 5: Hakone: Ropeway, Cruise, and Shrine Visit

A trip to Hakone wouldn't be complete without a ride on the cable cars of the Hakone Ropeway from Sounzan Station to Owakudani, an active volcanic valley known for its sulfur vents and hot springs. There you can try the famous black eggs (Kuro-tamago), which are boiled in the sulfuric hot springs and believed to add seven years to your life, or black ice cream if you're not as adventurous.

Torrential rains forced us to abandon our afternoon plans which included a scenic Hakone Sightseeing Cruise across Lake Ashi which offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Disembarking at Motohakone, our plan was to visit Hakone-jinja Shrine and stop to take photos at the Heiwa no Torii, the red gate that stands in the lake.

Luckily, Hakone is an onsen town and you can find many options to enjoy the area's natural hot springs, even on rainy days. We booked a private onsen at Hakone Hotel Kowaki-en, and it turned out to be an experience I will always remember.

Day 6: Hakone To Osaka

From Hakone, make your way to the bustling big city of Osaka. Our stay at Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi West was fabulous and I highly recommend staying at the Mimaru chain of apartment-style hotels. They're typically quite spacious and located near grocery stores and transportation.

Begin exploring with a long stroll down Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, a bustling covered arcade filled with trendy boutiques, souvenirs, and local shops. 

In the evening, head to the Dotonbori area, famous for its bright lights (stop for a photo at Glico man!), lively atmosphere and street food, and check out the nearby Hozenji Yokocho. With its red lanterns, cobblestone paths, and the famous Hozenji temple, it offers a more traditional side of Osaka.

For a special dining experience, enjoy dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M Yokocho Branch, where you can the savor top-quality Matsusaka beef that Japan is known for grilled to perfection. Be sure to make a reservation and arrive on an empty stomach - we barely made it through the 8-course meal!

Week 2: Exploring Osaka, Hiroshima and Kyoto

Making the trek to the top of Osaka Castle will reward you with 360° views of the city. But be warned - the elevators were not in use during our visit so we had to walk up and down eight flights of stairs!

If you're ready to eat, head to Kuromon Market, a popular spot where you can sample fresh seafood, street food, and local delicacies. Osaka is known as the kitchen of Japan and I can see why - the shrimp tempura we had there was seriously the best I've had in my life!

For breathtaking views of the city, visit the Abeno Harukas Observation Deck, the tallest skyscraper in Japan. Or, explore the lush Namba Parks which has a spectacular rooftop garden and unique shopping. Wrap up your day with a hearty bowl of Ichiran Ramen. At this popular restaurant chain, you can customize your ramen and enjoy it in a cozy, private individual booth—a must-try in Osaka!

👉🏼 Special Note: Luggage Forwarding Service for Hassle-Free Travel in Japan

Day 8: Osaka to Hiroshima/Miyajima: A Day of Culture and Food

Travel from Osaka to Hiroshima, then take a scenic boat ride to Miyajima Island, famous for its floating torii gate and serene atmosphere. Our day there was rainy, which only added to the ethereal atmosphere. The island has an abundance of deer you can see up-close roaming the streets, so its a good alternative to Nara Park.

There are many hotel options in Miyajima, or return to Hiroshima. We stayed at Hotel Cla-ss Hiroshima-Tokaichi, which was a fine budget friendly accommodation, but I'd opt for a hotel closer to the Peace Memorial Park. For dinner, head out to enjoy Hiroshima’s famous layered style of okonomiyaki, packed with savory ingredients. 

Day 9: Hiroshima to Kyoto: History and Tradition

Start your day in Hiroshima with breakfast at Bakery Roti. They serve the most delicious French pastries and the owner is delightful! Then make your way to the solemn Hiroshima Peace Park, a moving tribute to the victims of the atomic bomb.   The Peace Memorial Museum is worthy of a visit, but I highly recommend spending time at the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims. The Hall of Remembrance is incredibly moving, and along with the Atomic Bomb Dome, is something I will never forget. 

Before heading to Kyoto, grab an Eki-ben (a special bento box) at the train station, perfect for enjoying while on the bullet train. Upon arrival, check in at Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo. Like the Mimaru hotel we stayed at in Osaka, the hotel rooms are well decorated and spacious. We loved the convenient location of this family-friendly hotel.

Spend the late afternoon exploring Shinkyogoku Shopping Street and the famous Nishiki Market, known as "Kyoto's kitchen". End your night immersed in the rich culture of the nearby historic Gion district, known for its traditional atmosphere and chance to spot a geisha strolling the lantern-lit streets.

Day 10: Kyoto Temples

Every Japan travel guide will tell you that a trip to Kyoto must include a visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha. This popular destination is famous for its thousands of red torii gates that wind through the forested mountainside. 

In the summer months, the paths are busy with a lot of people but grow less crowded the further up you go. Before leaving the area, we highly recommend poking into the many souvenir shops along the way. They offer lovely coin purses, fans, chopsticks, or small towels as a remembrance of your time in Japan.

📌 TIP: Japan is known for its high-quality burgers. A stop at Dragon Burger across from Fushimi Inari will reward you with absolutely the best burger you will ever have in Japan! Months later and I am still dreaming about their Yuzu burger and homemade ice tea.

Next, head to Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its grand wooden stage that offers panoramic views of Kyoto. 

Be sure to leave enough time to enjoy the long walk to the temple. From Gion, it's just a few minute walk along the picturesque streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka up to Kiyomizu-zaka. The narrow street is sure to be packed with western tourists looking for Japanese souvenirs, crafts, and matcha ice cream! You can also stop for your coffee fix at Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Nineizaka Yasaka Chaya and sit on the traditional tatami mats!

Day 11: Gion Matsuri and Exploring Gion-Higashiyama

Our stay in Kyoto luckily coincided with Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s most famous festivals. The streets of Gion fill with colourful floats, lively parades, and traditional performances, offering a perfect chance to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. 

The Yoiyama night-festival which happens on July 16th should not be missed. Street stalls serve up delicious food and you can see many of the floats lit up and on display.

Outside of the festival, one must spend time exploring the Gion-Higashiyama area, starting with the iconic Yasaka Pagoda, a stunning five-story structure that stands out against the traditional wooden buildings. 

We took a stroll down the picturesque Shirakawa Lane, a charming street lined with willow trees, rivers, and old tea houses, but ran out of time to visit Kenninji Temple, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, a popular place known for its serene gardens and beautiful artwork.

Day 15 & 16: Tokyo DisneySea and Exploring Tokyo’s Icons

One fun family experience we were looking forward to was a visit to Japan's theme parks. You have a few options: Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, and Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea in Tokyo. 

DisneySea offers a unique, ocean-themed experience, perfect for thrill-seeking teens and those looking for immersive attractions. Tokyo Disneyland, with its classic Disney charm, is ideal for families and anyone wanting to relive the magic of Disney.

Temperatures when we were in Japan in July were extremely hot so we decided to start our visit to DisneySea later in the afternoon and stay for the night time show. It was a great time to go: we avoided the crowds and with a few paid Premier Access passes and short lineups we were able to enjoy some of the best rides.

The next day, explore more of Tokyo. You can visit the Imperial Palace, home to Japan's royal family, and enjoy its beautiful gardens. For lunch, head to Tokyo Ramen Street in the underground of Tokyo Station, where you can taste some of the city’s best ramen. In the afternoon, find your way over to Akihabara, Tokyo’s hub for electronics, anime, and manga culture. It’s a must-visit for your anime obsessed teens.

Day 17: Shibuya and Roppongi: Starbucks, Shopping, and Skyline Views

One place we had to visit was the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro, a stunning four-story coffee haven where you can enjoy artisanal coffee, tea, and pastries in a stylish setting. Even if you are not a coffee fan, you'll enjoy starting your day at the Roastery, one of only six in the world, with it's gorgeous architecture and peek at coffee bean roasting on-site.

For a final day in Japan, head to Shibuya for a shopping spree. TikTok favourite MEGA Don Quijote offers an eclectic mix of goods, from snacks and only-in-Japan KitKat flavours, to skincare and Korean makeup products, and fun souvenirs. 

Other shops I highly recommend in the area are Standard Products (a must stop if you love inexpensive, minimal design!), Hands, LoFT, Uniqlo and Muji (a great place to pick up extra luggage if needed!)

In the evening, make your way to Roppongi Mori Tower for the Tokyo City View, an observation deck that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. We arrived just before sunset and it was a wonderful way to say goodbye to this amazing city. 

Day 18: Travel Home 

With five carry-on luggages now to manoeuvre, we didn't really want to hop back onto a subway or express train back to Narita airport. The most convenient and inexpensive option was to take the Limousine Bus. 

Taking a taxi to the nearby bus terminal, we caught the Limousine Bus which offers a stress-free and comfortable way to travel from your hotel to Narita Airport or Haneda Airport. 

The bus also has multiple pickup points at major hotels throughout Tokyo, and we found the air-conditioned bus and their on-time service so enjoyable. It was a convenient, stress-free, efficient way to end this perfect trip - we wouldn't expect anything less from the wonderful Japanese people!

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An Unforgettable Journey Through Japan

Whether it's exploring the vibrant streets of Tokyo, soaking in the serene beauty of Kyoto's temples, or savoring local delicacies in Osaka, this 3-week Japan itinerary offers a perfect balance of modern adventure and rich cultural experiences.