From 1 to 3 Weeks

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

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

Japan remains one of my favorite countries. Regardless of how lengthy I go to, it’s by no means sufficient. I all the time 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 individuals I do know are lastly making their first journey.

However the nation all the time appears forbidding to many vacationers. It positively nonetheless has that “unique” stereotype that makes individuals 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, due to Japan’s dimension and uber-fast trains, it’s very straightforward to see rather a lot in a really quick period of time.

That can assist you out, listed here are a couple of urged itineraries based mostly on my years of visiting that may enable you to see the perfect 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 residence to the nation’s greatest worldwide airport. In case your journey is seven days lengthy, activate your JR Pass immediately, so that you could reap the benefits of the free JR trains that run by town.

While you could easily spend your entire week in Tokyo and never get bored, listed here are a number of the highlights:

• Go to the fish market – Toyosu is the world’s largest fish market. The every 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 without cost, however food and drink tours 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 principle corridor. It’s all the time busy however is value seeing with your individual eyes.
• Drink in Golden Gai – This alleyway of back-street bars is a energetic place to drink at night time 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 when 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, this can be a must-do. Tickets promote out rapidly, so ebook early. Anticipate to pay round 3,800 JPY.

In case you have extra time, contemplate taking a day journey to Kamakura to see the large 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 manner — and free with the JR Pass!

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 strategies, check out my comprehensive free guide!
 
Days 3 & 4: Kyoto

Kyoto is arguably essentially 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 plenty of crowds although, so attempt to go to exterior of the busy summer time months. Even with plenty of vacationers, although, town remains to be magnificent and has rather a lot 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 attempting 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 principle avenue 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 walking 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 one of the stunning locations in your entire nation (arrive early if you wish to get pleasure from 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, you may also 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 might be upwards of a thousand years outdated (which is uncommon in Japan, on account of fires, in addition to World Battle 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 picket constructing and is residence 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 strategies, check out my comprehensive free guide!
 
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 food tour for round 12,000 JPY or simply wander and eat. That’s all I do: eat, eat, eat.

Don’t miss Osaka Fort although. Whereas it’s not the unique (this model dates to 1931), it’s however a formidable sight. It’s residence to a small however insightful museum and an remark deck that provides some picturesque metropolis views.

And you should definitely stroll down Dotonbori (ideally at night time), the principle 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 individuals have been killed by the bomb and the firestorm it created. One other 70,000 individuals have been injured, and 70% of town was destroyed.

At this time, 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 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.

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 can even take a cable automotive to the height of the mountain to soak up the view. A one-way ferry experience to the island takes 10 minutes and is free to JR Pass holders.

For extra Hiroshima suggestions and strategies, check out my comprehensive free guide!
 
Day 7: Tokyo

Head again to Tokyo to your flight residence. 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 pass, 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 phenomenal historic outdated city (the Sanmachi Suji district) that dates again to the Edo Interval (1603–1868). The slim streets are lined with conventional picket 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, residence to a set of conventional thatch-roof homes you can 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. You should definitely have some while you’re right here!

The Japanese Alps should not removed from right here as properly, so in case you love mountaineering 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 reasonable trails, that are open from April to November. Mountaineering trails can be present in Hakusan Nationwide Park (additionally only one hour away by automotive).
 
Day 11: Kanazawa

Kanazawa is commonly thought-about “Little Kyoto,” as it’s residence to an extremely well-preserved Edo-era district. There are quite a few outdated samurai properties you possibly can 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 residence 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 foundations). These embody 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, residence 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 residence to one of many nation’s best-preserved castles, Matsumoto-jo (Matsumoto Fort), which dates again to 1594. Whereas some sections have been rebuilt, the principle construction is unique. It’s colloquially generally known as “Crow Fort” on account of its black exterior.

Should you’re right here in April, there are unimaginable cherry blossom shows which might be 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 number of the finest mountaineering within the nation.
 
Days 13 & 14: Hakone

Positioned simply 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Tokyo, Hakone is a picturesque area recognized for its onsen (scorching springs). The area is a part of a nationwide park and provides unimaginable views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko. The complete area is scenic and well-liked for laid-back getaways.

There are tons of inns (each fashionable and conventional) which have their very own scorching springs (usually each indoors and outdoor). It’s the proper place to wrap up a visit, chill out, and take within the views.

Along with getting a copious quantity of R&R, you should definitely experience the cable automotive up the mountain for much more wonderful 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 lively volcano), and also you’ll discover plenty of distributors on the high promoting eggs cooked within the sulfurous waters. It’s mentioned the eggs delay one’s life by seven years, so be happy to provide them a attempt!

Should you choose to hike up as an alternative, the path is open between July and September, with the trek taking wherever from 5 to 12 hours, relying in your degree of health. Sometimes, hikers go away at night time in an effort to arrive on the summit by daybreak. There are little retailers alongside the way in which that promote meals and even beds you possibly can lease upfront if you wish to break up your journey up. Simply be sure to do your analysis and put together upfront because it’s a tricky hike!

Should you actually wish to play vacationer, you may also experience a mock pirate ship across the lake for extra views of the mountains, and Mount Fuji specifically.

Full-day tours around Hakone that embody all the principle sights price 14,000 JPY.
 

Japan Itinerary: Three Weeks

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

Utilizing the strategies above, right here’s how I’d arrange 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 residence to volcanoes and rugged landscapes, takes 15-16 hours by prepare. There are sleeper automobiles obtainable, however you’ll need to pay a surcharge (round 9,500 JPY) for a mattress. You possibly can finish your journey in Hakodate if you want to stretch your legs and get off the prepare for a bit. In any other case, you possibly can head on to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido (one other three hours by prepare).

Should you do wish to spend a couple of hours in Hakodate, don’t miss the Morning Market, the place you will discover plenty of contemporary seafood. You can even go to Fort Goryokaku, the primary “Western”-style fort within the nation.

Should you’d slightly 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 residence to the indigenous Ainu, although elevated immigration within the nineteenth century noticed the Japanese inhabitants skyrocket.

You should definitely 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 received its begin. Should you’re a whiskey fan, cease by The Bow Bar, residence to some uncommon (and costly) whiskeys and thought of the most effective such bars on the earth.

What I like concerning the metropolis is its location. This area has a number of the finest 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 embody Mount Me-akan, Mount Asahim, Mount Mashu, and Nishibetsu-dake. For the perfect views of town, head to Mount Moiwayama. It’s only a 30-60-minute hike to the highest, although there’s a cable automotive you possibly can take as properly.

And in case 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. Raise 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, you should definitely take a day journey to Otaru, the place you’ll discover a number of the freshest uni in the entire nation (that is the principle space the place the famed Hokkaido uni is caught). Go hungry and go to the markets, stalls, and retailers round there.

Day 21: House!

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 get pleasure from your ultimate hours right here and soak in as a lot as you possibly can!

There’s a ton to see and do in Japan, and you may 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 rapidly to keep away from breaking the financial institution.

However irrespective of how lengthy you go to, you gained’t be dissatisfied. Japan is a tremendous, stunning, and distinctive vacation spot that I by no means get bored with visiting. Whereas it’s not as reasonably priced as its neighbors, it’s positively value spending the time (and cash) visiting. You gained’t be dissatisfied!

REMINDER: You’ll positively want a JR Pass to get round. You should definitely get one BEFORE you go! For extra info on the cross, read this blog post I wrote about it.