I’ve but to fulfill a traveler who didn’t love their time in Japan. It’s simply a type of international locations that everybody loves. How will you not? The meals is wealthy, rigorously crafted, and scrumptious; the historical past and tradition wealthy and lengthy; the panorama breathtaking; and the folks tremendous pleasant and well mannered.
Japan stays certainly one of my favourite international locations. Regardless of how lengthy I go to, it’s by no means sufficient. I at all times go away wanting extra.
With Japan open to vacationers once more, persons are racing to go to! I actually might be heading again once more this yr, and numerous folks I do know are lastly making their first journey.
However the nation at all times appears forbidding to many vacationers. It positively nonetheless has that “unique” stereotype that makes folks assume it’s laborious to journey round.
The place do you have to go? What do you have to see? How do you benefit from your time there? Fortunately, because of Japan’s dimension and uber-fast trains, it’s very straightforward to see quite a bit in a really brief period of time.
That will help you out, listed here are a couple of instructed itineraries primarily based on my years of visiting that may enable you see one of the best websites in addition to get off the overwhelmed path and get an actual sense of Japanese tradition:
Japan Itinerary: One Week
Day 1 & 2: Tokyo
Likelihood is you’ll be beginning your journey in Tokyo, because it’s dwelling to the nation’s largest worldwide airport. In case your journey is seven days lengthy, activate your JR Cross instantly, in an effort to make the most of the free JR trains that run by means of town.
When you may simply spend your whole week in Tokyo and never get bored, listed here are among the highlights:
- Go to the fish market – Toyosu is the world’s largest fish market. The each day public sale right here powers a lot of the world’s sushi provide, and it’s really an absolute must-see! You’ll be able to go without cost, however food and drinks excursions of the Tsukiji Outer Market can be found for round 13,500 JPY.
- See Sensoji Temple – Sensoji is fantastically painted and sits in a scenic spot close to a five-story pagoda and the well-known Kaminari Gate. There’s an enormous statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the primary corridor. It’s at all times busy however is price seeing with your personal eyes.
- Drink in Golden Gai – This alleyway of back-street bars is a full of life place to drink at evening and has a little bit of a red-light-district really feel to it. It’s not to be missed. Even in case you don’t drink, you should definitely wander about.
- Go to the Imperial Palace – The house of the emperor of Japan was constructed within the fifteenth century, and whilst you can’t go inside, the palace and its grounds are a peaceable place for a stroll.
- Watch a sumo match – Should you’re on the town on the proper time, it is a must-do. Tickets promote out shortly, so ebook early. Count on to pay round 3,800 JPY.
You probably have extra time, think about taking a day journey to Kamakura to see the enormous Buddha statue (Daibutsu). It’s over 13 meters (42 toes) tall and dates again to the thirteenth century. The journey is round 90 minutes every approach — and free with the JR Cross!
For scrumptious meals, a few of my favourite bars and eating places embrace: Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (Standing Sushi Bar), Nemuro Hanamaru KITTE Marunouchi, Motodane, Tokyo Whisky Library, Ichiran Shibuya, and Uohama.
For extra Tokyo suggestions and options, take a look at my complete free information!
Days 3 & 4: Kyoto
Kyoto is arguably probably the most stunning metropolis in Japan. It appears like stepping again in time. It’s nestled into the mountains and dappled with temples, gardens, and bamboo forests.
With its magnificence come a lot of crowds although, so attempt to go to outdoors of the busy summer season months. Even with a lot of vacationers, although, town remains to be magnificent and has quite a bit to supply. Some issues to see and do that you simply shouldn’t miss are the next:
- Go to the Golden Pavillion – This well-known (and picturesque) temple dates to the Fifties, when a monk burned down the earlier temple (from the 14th century) whereas making an attempt to commit suicide. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and one of many most-visited locations within the nation!
- Discover Gion – Gion is the historic geisha district. Stroll alongside the primary avenue and see ochayas (teahouses the place geishas entertain), the small retailers, and the numerous eating places that line the district’s streets. You’ll be able to take a strolling tour of Gion for 1,600 JPY.
- Wander within the Bamboo Forest – For a soothing break, head to Arashiyama and let the calm swaying of the forest envelop you. Situated close to the well-known Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the stunning locations in your complete nation (arrive early if you wish to take pleasure in it with out the crowds).
- Admire Ryoan-ji temple – That is my favourite temple in Kyoto. It’s additionally a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and residential to a mausoleum that homes the stays of seven emperors. The standard rock and sand backyard is taken into account among the best within the nation.
For a half-day journey, you can too go to Nara. It’s a small metropolis only one hour from Kyoto. Nara was the capital of Japan within the eighth century, so there are many buildings and temples right here which can be upwards of a thousand years previous (which is uncommon in Japan, attributable to fires, in addition to World Warfare II). The true attract Nara are the deer. For the reason that seventeenth century, these in and across the metropolis have been thought-about sacred. You should buy crackers to feed them or simply watch them stroll round carefree.
When you’re right here, don’t miss a go to to Todai-ji. It’s the world’s largest wood constructing and is dwelling to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was inbuilt 738 CE and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Admission is 500 JPY.
For extra Kyoto suggestions and options, take a look at my complete free information!
Day 5: Osaka
Osaka is the third-largest metropolis within the nation. It’s the monetary capital of the nation, however I come for the meals. Mouth-watering sushi and sashimi, Kobe beef and Japanese BBQ, and flavorful ramen can all be discovered right here in abundance. Plus there are native specialties like okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with egg and greens) and kushikatsu (skewered kebabs). You’ll be able to take a meals tour for round 12,000 JPY or simply wander and eat. That’s all I do: eat, eat, eat.
Don’t miss Osaka Citadel although. Whereas it’s not the unique (this model dates to 1931), it’s nonetheless a powerful sight. It’s dwelling to a small however insightful museum and an commentary deck that provides some picturesque metropolis views.
And you should definitely stroll down Dotonbori (ideally at evening), the primary avenue, which is lined with eating places, shops, and tons of neon lights and indicators.
Day 6: Hiroshima
On August 6, 1945, Allied forces dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. It was the primary time a nuclear weapon was dropped on a metropolis, and it had devastating penalties. Upwards of 80,000 folks have been killed by the bomb and the firestorm it created. One other 70,000 folks have been injured, and 70% of town was destroyed.
Immediately, Hiroshima is prospering. Don’t miss the Atomic Bomb Museum, which depicts the historical past of town earlier than and after that fateful day. It has pictures, artifacts, movies, and details about the impact of radiation on the inhabitants. It’s a sobering expertise however one which shouldn’t be missed.
Should you really feel like getting out of city afterward, head to Miyajima, an island that provides a spot to hike and luxuriate in nature. You too can take a cable automobile to the height of the mountain to absorb the view. A one-way ferry journey to the island takes 10 minutes and is free to JR Cross holders.
For extra Hiroshima suggestions and options, take a look at my complete free information!
Day 7: Tokyo
Head again to Tokyo in your flight dwelling. It’s just below 4 hours on the bullet prepare, so that you’ll have time to discover a bit extra earlier than you permit!
Japan Itinerary: Two Weeks
Should you’re going to be in Japan for 14 days and have bought a rail go, right here’s how one can divide your time:
Days 1-9
Comply with the itinerary above however add an additional day in Tokyo and, relying in your pursuits, both Osaka or Kyoto.
Day 10: Takayama
Takayama is a small metropolis with a lovely historic previous city (the Sanmachi Suji district) that dates again to the Edo Interval (1603–1868). The slender streets are lined with conventional wood buildings that make you’re feeling such as you’ve stepped again in time. There are teahouses, cafés, sake breweries, and extra. It’s about as near historic Japan as you will get!
Should you like historical past, don’t miss the Hida Minzoku Mura People Village, dwelling to a set of conventional thatch-roof homes that you could enter to additional immerse your self within the nation’s previous.
This metropolis (and area, actually) is legendary for its Hida beef, a high-fat selection that’s even higher than any A5 Wagyu you might need. It simply melts in your mouth. Make sure to have some if you are right here!
The Japanese Alps are usually not removed from right here as nicely, so in case you love mountaineering and need to lengthen your time within the area, head to Kamikochi for a day hike or in a single day journey. It’s simply an hour away and has each straightforward and reasonable trails, that are open from April to November. Mountaineering trails may also be present in Hakusan Nationwide Park (additionally only one hour away by automobile).
Day 11: Kanazawa
Kanazawa is usually thought-about “Little Kyoto,” as it’s dwelling to an extremely well-preserved Edo-era district. There are quite a few previous samurai houses you’ll be able to admire (and one, the Nomura Home, which is restored and open to the general public).
One of many extra distinctive temples in Japan is right here too: Ninja (Myoryuji) Temple. Whereas the temple wasn’t dwelling to precise ninjas, Myoryuji was constructed as a defensive construction (strict legal guidelines forbade native lords from constructing defenses, in order that they have been hidden within the temple to bypass the principles). These embrace hidden rooms, secret tunnels, and a maze of staircases and halls to confuse enemies.
Should you want a break from exploring cities, Hakusan Nationwide Park, dwelling to Mount Haku, one of many three holy mountains, is simply an hour south of city.
Day 12: Matsumoto
Surrounded by stunning views, Matsumoto is dwelling to one of many nation’s best-preserved castles, Matsumoto-jo (Matsumoto Citadel), which dates again to 1594. Whereas some sections have been rebuilt, the primary construction is unique. It’s colloquially often known as “Crow Citadel” attributable to its black exterior.
Should you’re right here in April, there are unimaginable cherry blossom shows which can be well-known within the area. And, similar to Takayama, Matsumoto is near the Japanese Alps, so that you’re only a stone’s throw from among the greatest mountaineering within the nation.
Days 13 & 14: Hakone
Situated simply 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Tokyo, Hakone is a picturesque area identified for its onsen (sizzling springs). The area is a part of a nationwide park and gives unimaginable views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko. The complete area is scenic and fashionable for laid-back getaways.
There are tons of motels (each trendy and conventional) which have their very own sizzling springs (typically each indoors and outdoor). It’s the right place to wrap up a visit, loosen up, and take within the views.
Along with getting a copious quantity of R&R, you should definitely journey the cable automobile up the mountain for much more superb views. The world is surrounded by craters from an inactive volcano that erupted 80,000 years in the past (to not be confused with close by Mount Fuji, which is an energetic volcano), and also you’ll discover a lot of distributors on the high promoting eggs cooked within the sulfurous waters. It’s stated the eggs lengthen one’s life by seven years, so be at liberty to provide them a attempt!
Should you favor to hike up as a substitute, the path is open between July and September, with the trek taking anyplace from 5 to 12 hours, relying in your stage of health. Sometimes, hikers go away at evening with a view to arrive on the summit by daybreak. There are little retailers alongside the way in which that promote meals and even beds you’ll be able to hire upfront if you wish to cut up your journey up. Simply ensure you do your analysis and put together upfront because it’s a troublesome hike!
Should you actually need to play vacationer, you can too journey a mock pirate ship across the lake for extra views of the mountains, and Mount Fuji particularly.
Full-day excursions round Hakone that embrace all the primary sights price 14,000 JPY.
Japan Itinerary: Three Weeks
You probably have a 3rd week in Japan, you’ll be able to decelerate just a little and spend extra time in every vacation spot.
Utilizing the options above, right here’s how I might manage your itinerary:
- Days 1-3: Tokyo
- Day 4: Mount Fuji or Hakone
- Day 5: Takayama
- Days 6 & 7: Kanazawa
- Days 8 & 9: Matsumoto
- Days 10-12: Kyoto
- Days 13 & 14: Osaka
- Days 15 & 16: Hiroshima
Day 17: Prepare to Hokkaido
The prepare to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island dwelling to volcanoes and rugged landscapes, takes 15-16 hours by prepare. There are sleeper vehicles obtainable, however you’ll need to pay a surcharge (round 9,500 JPY) for a mattress. You’ll be able to finish your journey in Hakodate if it’s essential stretch your legs and get off the prepare for a bit. In any other case, you’ll be able to head on to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido (one other three hours by prepare).
Should you do need to spend a couple of hours in Hakodate, don’t miss the Morning Market, the place yow will discover a lot of recent seafood. You too can go to Fort Goryokaku, the primary “Western”-style fort within the nation.
Should you’d somewhat not spend that lengthy on the prepare, a flight from Hiroshima to Sapporo is simply two hours and prices round 12,000 JPY (one-way).
Days 18-20: Sapporo
Sapporo is the fifth-largest metropolis, although it’s far faraway from the remainder of Japan. The area was first dwelling to the indigenous Ainu, although elevated immigration within the nineteenth century noticed the Japanese inhabitants skyrocket.
Make sure to cease in on the native Beer Museum too, owned by Sapporo Breweries (the oldest beer firm within the nation). It showcases the historical past of beer in Japan and the way the enterprise obtained its begin. Should you’re a whiskey fan, cease by The Bow Bar, dwelling to some uncommon (and costly) whiskeys and regarded among the best such bars on the earth.
What I really like concerning the metropolis is its location. This area has among the greatest mountaineering within the nation. There are many hills and mountains, providing choices for each day hikes in addition to in a single day journeys. Some highlights embrace Mount Me-akan, Mount Asahim, Mount Mashu, and Nishibetsu-dake. For one of the best views of town, head to Mount Moiwayama. It’s only a 30-60-minute hike to the highest, although there’s a cable automobile you’ll be able to take as nicely.
And in case you’re visiting within the winter, hit the slopes! There are over 100 ski resorts in Hokkaido. You’ll be able to hire skis (or a snowboard) for round 4,500-10,000 JPY. Elevate costs are often 4,000-6,000 JPY per day.Within the winter, don’t miss the annual Sapporo Snow Pageant. It’s held each February and attracts over two million guests. There are ice sculptures, igloos, dwell music, and scrumptious native meals on provide.
Moreover, you should definitely take a day journey to Otaru, the place you’ll discover among the freshest uni in the entire nation (that is the primary space the place the famed Hokkaido uni is caught). Go hungry and go to the markets, stalls, and retailers round there.
Day 21: Dwelling!
Time to fly again to Tokyo or hop on the in a single day prepare from Sapporo. You’ve had a whirlwind of a visit, so take pleasure in your ultimate hours right here and soak in as a lot as you’ll be able to!
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There’s a ton to see and do in Japan, and you possibly can simply spend one other month right here and nonetheless simply scratch the floor (we didn’t even get to Okinawa and the islands!). And whereas these itineraries are a bit fast-paced, Japan isn’t low cost, so finances vacationers want to maneuver shortly to keep away from breaking the financial institution.
However regardless of how lengthy you go to, you received’t be dissatisfied. Japan is an incredible, stunning, and distinctive vacation spot that I by no means get uninterested in visiting. Whereas it’s not as reasonably priced as its neighbors, it’s positively price spending the time (and cash) visiting. You received’t be dissatisfied!
REMINDER: You’ll positively want a JR Cross to get round. Make sure to get one BEFORE you go! For extra info on the go, learn this weblog submit I wrote about it.
