Let me preface this by saying I claim no deep Japanese insight. The majority of the things I did were extremely touristy. But sometimes the touristy things are popular for a reason, so here are a few places and experiences I loved in Japan.

Meiji Jingu is my favorite shrine in all of Japan, and it’s probably one of my favorite places in the entire world. It’s absolutely stunning. The grounds are beautiful, huge and quiet, and you somehow feel like you’re in a completely different universe even though you’re technically in the middle of Tokyo. The walk through the massive wooden torii gates and forest paths makes you feel both minuscule and heroic. The photos don’t do it justice. I actually cried because it was so beautiful, which I guess says something.

ICHIRAN ramen is extremely touristy, but it’s also good ramen and a genuine experience. You sit in tiny individual booths like you’re taking the SAT, and fill out a form with a pencil to order your preferred noodle firmness, broth richness and spice level. Suddenly, a curtain lifts, someone delivers your bowl and the curtain closes again. It’s gimmicky, but it’s great.

TeamLabs was an out-of-body experience, and your Instagram feed will thank you. The museum has different rooms filled with floating orbs, mirrors and digital flowers. 

You should also head to the Shibuya Crossing. Be sure to hold on tightly to whoever you’re with so as not to get separated in the chaos. It’s one of those things that sounds overrated until you’re actually standing there, surrounded by thousands of people moving in every direction.

I always avoid Starbucks in a foreign country on principle, but I have a controversial take: Get a cup of coffee at the Shibuya Crossing location. It’s worth it. You get an amazing view of the crossing and a rare chance to sit down for a few minutes and people-watch. Also, go to the Shibuya crossing at night, where it’s a lot busier and everything is glowing. 

I had a surprisingly great time at the Tokyo Skytree, weirdly enough. While you’re there, Penny Lane is a great pastry stop. The shopping around Skytree is excellent– there are lots of Japanese brands in a calm, air-conditioned shopping mall, which is sometimes exactly what you need after walking around Tokyo all day.

I bought a pair of Onitsuka Tiger, mainly because the shoes have been flooding my social media explore page. I also thought they would be a cool souvenir to take home – something I could wear on a daily basis. The store in Shibuya is conveniently located, but also insanely crowded. I bought my pair in Gotemba at the outlet store, which ended up being around $20 cheaper and significantly less stressful to purchase.

For shopping, Ginza is a great neighborhood to wander through. It’s home to the Uniqlo flagship store, which is something like nine stories tall and a great place to get some affordable basics.

On the other hand, Don Quijote is an overwhelming place, but I guess it’s a rite of passage. It’s loud, brightly lit and houses everything you could want. I left with a mild headache but with a successful bag of gifts for my friends and family.

If you want to visit an onsen, I’d recommend staying local. Anywhere that’s near your hotel will make it easier after a long day of sightseeing. I visited the Manyo Club, which is a multi-story onsen complex. It felt more like a theme park than a traditional onsen. 

If you’re in Kyoto, head to Ebisugawa Gyoza Nakajima. It’s a tiny mom-and-pop gyoza restaurant tucked away in a quiet area. It’s easily one of the best meals I’ve ever had in my entire life. The owner recognized me when I came for the second night in a row – mainly because I’m a six-foot-tall blonde in Japan. Nonetheless, he was thrilled I returned. For a brief moment, thousands of miles from home, I felt the comfort of being a regular somewhere. I almost cried again.

 You sit at the bar while he grills dumplings right in front of you. It’s simple. It’s perfect.  It doesn’t get much better than that.

If time permits, Himeji Castle is a really cool day trip. If you picture a Japanese castle in your mind, Himeji is exactly what you’d imagine. It’s the backdrop of a samurai epic.

Finally, please get a Choco Monaka Jumbo ice cream sandwich bar from 7/11 while you’re there. I’m serious. It’s life-changing. It’s a crispy wafer filled with vanilla ice cream and a thin chocolate layer. Somehow it costs less than most desserts you’ll find. Somehow, it’s one of the best things you’ll have in Japan.

My main piece of advice: Don’t plan too much. Some of the coolest things I did were completely unexpected – stopping at a place for lunch because it looked cool from the outside or wandering into tiny side streets.

You’re in Japan. It’s a cool country, and something interesting is bound to happen to you just by being there.