Japan had been my dream trip for years. It has everything from some of the best food, big cities and natural wonders. When picking out where to go it was important for me to experience as much as possible without absolutely rushing everything. I found that 3 days in each city and doing day trips to other smaller cities gave me enough time to fully experience what each place had to offer.
Day 1:
I suggest booking a flight that has you entering Tokyo in the morning. Tokyo has two main airports Narita and Haneda both are a ways away from the actual city and you will have to take a decent train ride to get into Tokyo.
After flying in and getting through customs head straight to your hotel or hostel of your choice. We stayed in the Daichi Hotel near the Shimbanshi station and it was such a good location and price.
Rest from your long flight and then head out that night to Shibuya Crossing to get ramen at Ichiran, walk around and visit Shibuya Sky.
- remember to book your time slot and get your tickets for Shibuya Sky at least 2 weeks in advance. The time slots for sunset fill up fast but the later night time slots are just good.
Everything you need to know about Shibuya and Shinjuku. (a Straightforward guide)
Want more of the bright lights, street food, endless shopping streets and eccentric downtown life. Here’s a full guide on the MUST do’s of Tokyo’s busiest neighborhoods.
Day 2:
Start your day off by walking through Hiyda Park on your way to the Imperial Palace to see the current residence of the Emperor of Japan. If you want to enter the palace you have to book a tour with one of the government tours that run twice a day.
Stroll the palace gardens for a while and then head to Harajuku Station.
Go see Meji Jingu and the Iris Garden. Head over to Takeshita Street for shopping, and street food
Head back to the hotel to rest or if you have the energy go check out the Samurai Meausum in Shinjuku.
Around dusk head over to Golden Gai and have some drinks in a local Izakaya. Go explore the neon signs of Shinjuku, and get dinner.
Day 3:
Spend the day exploring Senso Ji and Asakusa. Check out nearby shopping streets and then head over to the Tokyo National Museum.
Later that night go to Akihabara aka Electronic City for dinner.
Everything you need to know about Asakusa and Senso-Ji
First time visiting an iconic temple like this one before? Don’t worry, i’ve got you covered. From how to get there, what snacks to try, to what to expect in the surrounding neighborhood this guide will answer it all.
Day 4
Go to Disneyland! Tickets are only about 60$ USD and it’s soo worth it. Probably one of my favorite Disney Parks I’ve been to plus it gives you a break from just touring to have fun.
Day 5
Go to Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji Day Trip Guide for First-Timers: Scenic Views, Lakes & Local Gems
From hidden silk villages, ice caves, fishing lakes and Mt. Fuji itself; here is my full guide of recommendations for visiting this iconic natural wonder.
Lock your bags in the lockers at the train station and take a bus tour.
I suggest the green line to see the Iyashi no Sato Nemba village and the different ice caves around the mountain.
When staying up here I highly recommend staying in a traditional Japanese house or hotel. We stayed at the Lake Kawaguchi Hotel which had an onsen attached to it and it was such a fun experience.
Day 6
Travel from Fuji to Kyoto.
- pro tip! you can reserve seats for oversized luggage at the JR help desk at any train station. they will also help make a complete itinerary for your train transfers!
Learn More About the JR. Rail Pass HERE
Day 7
Start off your Kyoto journey by checking out Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Then walk around the nearby Sannekaszen street and shop around.
Try some local street food including the infamous lemon cucumber.
Visit the nearby Chion-in Temple and the Shoren-in Temple and Gardens. Both of these give great insight into the history and culture of Kyoto.
Hop on a taxi or bus and then head over to The Nikishi Fish Market to shop, try local delicacies, and taste locally brewed sake.
Day 8
Take the train to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to see the towering bamboo forest.
At the end of the Bamboo Grove take some time to stroll through the Okochi Sanso Garden and have green tea in their traditional tea house. The tea house is a great place to take pictures as it looks over another part of the bamboo grove.
Next visit Kinkaku-ji aka the Golden Pavilion. This site is always busy due to how unique it is so be ready for some crowds.
End the night in the historic Gion for dinner. Gion is a little difficult to navigate but to get to the best dinner spots stay along the river.
3 Perfect Days in Kyoto: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Want more details on all of these temples? Check out my full guide on Kyoto for my full list of recommendations and tips!
Day 9
Spend the day hiking the infamous Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
(Yes it will take you a few hours)
With over 10,000 tori gates and even more stairs, I highly suggest wearing actual hiking clothes.
Finally, spend your last night in Kyoto at a traditional Tea ceremony.
Day 10
Take the Train from Kyoto to Osaka
Relax at the Solaniwa Onsen in the Osaka Bay Tower.
Solaniwa is one of the first of its kind with over 10 different kinds of baths, restaurants, an arcade, massages, and photo spots.
That night visit the Dotonbori River for more restaurants, activities, and nightlife.
Day 11
Visit Osaka Castle and stroll through the former courtyards and park.
Later in the evening visit Shinsekai for all kinds of fun restaurants and arcade games.
Definitely try tempura in Shinsekai
Day 12
Take a day trip to Nara to feed the deer and see Todaiji Temple.
One Day in Nara: What to Eat, See & Do in Japan’s Ancient Capital (yes there will be deer)
Deer, Temples, Matcha, and more deer.
Everything you need to know to have a successful day trip in Japan’s Ancient Capital
Day 13
Visit the Osaka Bay Aquarium to see the Whale Sharks and admire the Osaka Bay.
Visit Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street which connects at the end back into Dontonburi for your last night of food, and nightlife
Day 14
Fly home 🙁
I’ll see you
