Posted: 1/16/23 | January sixteenth, 2023

I’ve but to fulfill a traveler who didn’t love their time in Japan. It’s simply a type of nations that everybody loves. How are you going to not? The meals is wealthy, rigorously crafted, and scrumptious; the historical past and tradition wealthy and lengthy; the panorama breathtaking; and the individuals tremendous pleasant and well mannered.

Japan stays one among my favourite nations. Irrespective of how lengthy I go to, it’s by no means sufficient. I at all times depart wanting extra.

With Japan open to vacationers once more, individuals are racing to go to! I personally will probably be heading again once more this yr, and numerous individuals I do know are lastly making their first journey.

However the nation at all times appears forbidding to many vacationers. It undoubtedly nonetheless has that “unique” stereotype that makes individuals assume it’s exhausting to journey round.

The place must you go? What must you 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 loads in a really quick period of time.

That will help you out, listed here are a number of advised itineraries based mostly on my years of visiting that can assist you to 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 Go instantly, as a way to reap the benefits of the free JR trains that run via the town.

When you may simply spend your complete week in Tokyo and never get bored, listed here are a few of 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 actually an absolute must-see! You possibly can go totally free, 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 value seeing with your individual eyes.
• Drink in Golden Gai – This alleyway of back-street bars is a vigorous place to drink at evening and has a little bit of a red-light-district really feel to it. It isn’t to be missed. Even when you don’t drink, be sure you 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 – In the event you’re on the town on the proper time, it is a must-do. Tickets promote out rapidly, so e book early. Anticipate to pay round 3,800 JPY.

In case you have extra time, think about taking a day journey to Kamakura to see the enormous Buddha statue (Daibutsu). It’s over 13 meters (42 ft) tall and dates again to the thirteenth century. The journey is round 90 minutes every method — and free with the JR Go!

For scrumptious meals, a few of my favourite bars and eating places embody: Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (Standing Sushi Bar), Nemuro Hanamaru KITTE Marunouchi, Motodane, Tokyo Whisky Library, Ichiran Shibuya, and Uohama.

For extra Tokyo suggestions and ideas, try my complete free information!
 
Days 3 & 4: Kyoto

Kyoto is arguably essentially the most stunning metropolis in Japan. It seems 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 time months. Even with a lot of vacationers, although, the town remains to be magnificent and has loads to supply. Some issues to see and do that you just shouldn’t miss are the next:

• Go to the Golden Pavillion – This well-known (and picturesque) temple dates to the Nineteen 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 road and see ochayas (teahouses the place geishas entertain), the small retailers, and the various eating places that line the district’s streets. You possibly can 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. Positioned close to the well-known Tenryu-ji temple, it’s probably the most 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 normal rock and sand backyard is taken into account the most effective within the nation.

For a half-day journey, it’s also possible to 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 are upwards of a thousand years outdated (which is uncommon in Japan, because of fires, in addition to World Struggle 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 in-built 738 CE and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Admission is 500 JPY.

For extra Kyoto suggestions and ideas, try 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 possibly can 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 Fortress although. Whereas it’s not the unique (this model dates to 1931), it’s however a powerful sight. It’s dwelling to a small however insightful museum and an remark deck that gives some picturesque metropolis views.

And be sure you stroll down Dotonbori (ideally at evening), the primary road, 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 individuals had been killed by the bomb and the firestorm it created. One other 70,000 individuals had been injured, and 70% of the town was destroyed.

At present, Hiroshima is flourishing. Don’t miss the Atomic Bomb Museum, which depicts the historical past of the town earlier than and after that fateful day. It has photographs, artifacts, movies, and details about the impact of radiation on the inhabitants. It’s a sobering expertise however one which shouldn’t be missed.

In the event you really feel like getting out of city afterward, head to Miyajima, an island that gives a spot to hike and luxuriate in nature. You can even take a cable automobile to the height of the mountain to soak up the view. A one-way ferry trip to the island takes 10 minutes and is free to JR Go holders.

For extra Hiroshima suggestions and ideas, try my complete free information!
 
Day 7: Tokyo

Head again to Tokyo to your flight dwelling. It’s slightly below 4 hours on the bullet practice, so that you’ll have time to discover a bit extra earlier than you allow!
 

Japan Itinerary: Two Weeks

In the event you’re going to be in Japan for 14 days and have bought a rail cross, right here’s how one can divide your time:

Days 1-9
Observe 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 phenomenal historic outdated 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 are 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!

In the event you like historical past, don’t miss the Hida Minzoku Mura People Village, dwelling to a group of conventional thatch-roof homes that you would be able to enter to additional immerse your self within the nation’s previous.

This metropolis (and area, actually) is known for its Hida beef, a high-fat selection that’s even higher than any A5 Wagyu you may need. It simply melts in your mouth. Remember to have some when you are right here!

The Japanese Alps are usually not removed from right here as properly, so when you love climbing and wish to prolong 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 average trails, that are open from April to November. Climbing trails can be present in Hakusan Nationwide Park (additionally only one hour away by automobile).
 
Day 11: Kanazawa

Kanazawa is commonly thought-about “Little Kyoto,” as it’s dwelling to an extremely well-preserved Edo-era district. There are quite a few outdated samurai properties you may 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, so that they had been hidden within the temple to bypass the principles). These embody hidden rooms, secret tunnels, and a maze of staircases and halls to confuse enemies.

In the event 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 Fortress), which dates again to 1594. Whereas some sections have been rebuilt, the primary construction is authentic. It’s colloquially generally known as “Crow Fortress” because of its black exterior.

In the event you’re right here in April, there are unbelievable cherry blossom shows which are well-known within the area. And, identical to Takayama, Matsumoto is near the Japanese Alps, so that you’re only a stone’s throw from a few of the greatest climbing within the nation.
 
Days 13 & 14: Hakone

Positioned simply 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Tokyo, Hakone is a picturesque area recognized for its onsen (sizzling springs). The area is a part of a nationwide park and affords unbelievable views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko. All the area is scenic and standard for laid-back getaways.

There are tons of inns (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, calm down, and take within the views.

Along with getting a copious quantity of R&R, be sure you trip the cable automobile up the mountain for much more wonderful views. The realm 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 mentioned the eggs extend one’s life by seven years, so be at liberty to present them a attempt!

In the event you choose to hike up as a substitute, the path is open between July and September, with the trek taking wherever from 5 to 12 hours, relying in your stage of health. Usually, hikers depart at evening to be able to arrive on the summit by daybreak. There are little retailers alongside the best way that promote meals and even beds you may lease prematurely if you wish to break up your journey up. Simply ensure you do your analysis and put together prematurely because it’s a troublesome hike!

In the event you actually wish to play vacationer, it’s also possible to trip a mock pirate ship across the lake for extra views of the mountains, and Mount Fuji specifically.

Full-day excursions round Hakone that embody all the primary sights value 14,000 JPY.
 

Japan Itinerary: Three Weeks

In case you have a 3rd week in Japan, you may decelerate a little bit and spend extra time in every vacation spot.

Utilizing the ideas above, right here’s how I might set up 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 practice to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island dwelling to volcanoes and rugged landscapes, takes 15-16 hours by practice. There are sleeper vehicles accessible, however you’ll need to pay a surcharge (round 9,500 JPY) for a mattress. You possibly can finish your journey in Hakodate if it’s essential to stretch your legs and get off the practice for a bit. In any other case, you may head on to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido (one other three hours by practice).

In the event you do wish to spend a number of hours in Hakodate, don’t miss the Morning Market, the place you could find a lot of recent seafood. You can even go to Fort Goryokaku, the primary “Western”-style fort within the nation.

In the event you’d quite not spend that lengthy on the practice, 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.

Remember 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 acquired its begin. In the event you’re a whiskey fan, cease by The Bow Bar, dwelling to some uncommon (and costly) whiskeys and thought of the most effective such bars on this planet.

What I like concerning the metropolis is its location. This area has a few of the greatest climbing 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 embody Mount Me-akan, Mount Asahim, Mount Mashu, and Nishibetsu-dake. For one of the best views of the town, head to Mount Moiwayama. It’s only a 30-60-minute hike to the highest, although there’s a cable automobile you may take as properly.

And when you’re visiting within the winter, hit the slopes! There are over 100 ski resorts in Hokkaido. You possibly can lease skis (or a snowboard) for round 4,500-10,000 JPY. Elevate costs are normally 4,000-6,000 JPY per day.Within the winter, don’t miss the annual Sapporo Snow Competition. It’s held each February and attracts over two million guests. There are ice sculptures, igloos, stay music, and scrumptious native meals on provide.

Moreover, be sure you take a day journey to Otaru, the place you’ll discover a few of 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 practice 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 may!

There’s a ton to see and do in Japan, and you might 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 price range vacationers want to maneuver rapidly to keep away from breaking the financial institution.

However irrespective of how lengthy you go to, you received’t be disenchanted. 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 undoubtedly value spending the time (and cash) visiting. You received’t be disenchanted!

REMINDER: You’ll undoubtedly want a JR Go to get round. Remember to get one BEFORE you go! For extra info on the cross, learn this weblog publish I wrote about it.