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 kind of nations 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 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 will likely be heading again once more this 12 months, 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 exhausting to journey round.

The place do you have to go? What do you have to see? How do you profit from your time there? Fortunately, due to Japan’s measurement and uber-fast trains, it’s very simple to see so much in a really quick period of time.

That can assist you out, listed below are a couple of recommended itineraries primarily based on my years of visiting that may show you how to see the most effective 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 house to the nation’s largest worldwide airport. In case your journey is seven days lengthy, activate your JR Pass instantly, in an effort to reap the benefits of the free JR trains that run by means of the town.

While you could easily spend your entire week in Tokyo and never get bored, listed below are a few 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 really 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 personal eyes.
• Drink in Golden Gai – This alleyway of back-street bars is a vigorous 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 for those who don’t drink, make 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 – For those who’re on the town on the proper time, it is a must-do. Tickets promote out rapidly, so e book early. Count on to pay round 3,800 JPY.

When you have extra time, contemplate 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 means — and free with the JR Pass!

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

Kyoto is arguably probably the most stunning metropolis in Japan. It looks like stepping again in time. It’s nestled into the mountains and dappled with temples, gardens, and bamboo forests.

With its magnificence come a number of crowds although, so attempt to go to outdoors of the busy summer season months. Even with a number of vacationers, although, the town remains to be magnificent and has so much 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 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 Website 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. Situated close to the well-known Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the stunning locations in all the 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 Website and residential to a mausoleum that homes the stays of seven emperors. The normal rock and sand backyard is taken into account among the finest 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 might be upwards of a thousand years previous (which is uncommon in Japan, resulting from fires, in addition to World Warfare II). The true attract Nara are the deer. Because the 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 house to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was inbuilt 738 CE and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Website. Admission is 500 JPY.

For extra Kyoto suggestions and ideas, 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 nonetheless a powerful sight. It’s house to a small however insightful museum and an statement deck that gives some picturesque metropolis views.

And make sure you 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 the town was destroyed.

Right this moment, Hiroshima is prospering. Don’t miss the Atomic Bomb Museum, which depicts the historical past of the 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.

For those who really feel like getting out of city afterward, head to Miyajima, an island that gives a spot to hike and luxuriate in nature. You too can take a cable automotive to the height of the mountain to absorb 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 ideas, check out my comprehensive free guide!
 
Day 7: Tokyo

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

Japan Itinerary: Two Weeks

For those who’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
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 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 may get!

For those who like historical past, don’t miss the Hida Minzoku Mura Folks Village, house to a group of conventional thatch-roof homes which you can 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 might need. It simply melts in your mouth. You’ll want to have some if you are right here!

The Japanese Alps usually are not removed from right here as nicely, so for those who love mountain climbing and need 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 simple and reasonable trails, that are open from April to November. Mountain climbing trails may also be present in Hakusan Nationwide Park (additionally only one hour away by automotive).
 
Day 11: Kanazawa

Kanazawa is usually thought-about “Little Kyoto,” as it’s house 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 house 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.

For those who want a break from exploring cities, Hakusan Nationwide Park, house 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 house 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 authentic. It’s colloquially often called “Crow Fort” resulting from its black exterior.

For those who’re right here in April, there are unimaginable cherry blossom shows which might 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 a few of the finest mountain climbing 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 presents unimaginable views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko. Your entire area is scenic and well-liked for laid-back getaways.

There are tons of lodges (each fashionable and conventional) which have their very own sizzling springs (usually each indoors and outside). 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, make sure you experience the cable automotive up the mountain for much more superb 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 lively volcano), and also you’ll discover a number of distributors on the prime promoting eggs cooked within the sulfurous waters. It’s mentioned the eggs delay one’s life by seven years, so be at liberty to offer them a strive!

For those who desire to hike up as an alternative, the path is open between July and September, with the trek taking anyplace from 5 to 12 hours, relying in your degree of health. Usually, hikers go away at night time in an effort to arrive on the summit by daybreak. There are little retailers alongside the best way that promote meals and even beds you’ll be able to lease prematurely if you wish to cut up your journey up. Simply ensure you do your analysis and put together prematurely because it’s a tricky hike!

For those who actually need to play vacationer, it’s also possible to experience a mock pirate ship across the lake for extra views of the mountains, and Mount Fuji specifically.

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

Japan Itinerary: Three Weeks

When you have a 3rd week in Japan, you’ll be able to decelerate a little bit and spend extra time in every vacation spot.

Utilizing the ideas above, right here’s how I’d 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 prepare to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island house to volcanoes and rugged landscapes, takes 15-16 hours by prepare. There are sleeper automobiles 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 worthwhile to 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).

For those who do need to spend a couple of hours in Hakodate, don’t miss the Morning Market, the place yow will discover a number of contemporary seafood. You too can go to Fort Goryokaku, the primary “Western”-style fort within the nation.

For those who’d reasonably 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 house to the indigenous Ainu, although elevated immigration within the nineteenth century noticed the Japanese inhabitants skyrocket.

You’ll want 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. For those who’re a whiskey fan, cease by The Bow Bar, house to some uncommon (and costly) whiskeys and thought of among the finest such bars on this planet.

What I really like in regards to the metropolis is its location. This area has a few of the finest mountain 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 embrace Mount Me-akan, Mount Asahim, Mount Mashu, and Nishibetsu-dake. For the most effective views of the town, head to Mount Moiwayama. It’s only a 30-60-minute hike to the highest, although there’s a cable automotive you’ll be able to take as nicely.

And for those who’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 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, stay music, and scrumptious native meals on provide.

Moreover, make 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 principle space the place the famed Hokkaido uni is caught). Go hungry and go to the markets, stalls, and retailers round there.

Day 21: Residence!

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 last hours right here and soak in as a lot as you’ll be able to!

There’s a ton to see and do in Japan, and you could possibly 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 regardless of how lengthy you go to, you received’t be upset. Japan is a tremendous, stunning, and distinctive vacation spot that I by no means get uninterested in visiting. Whereas it’s not as inexpensive as its neighbors, it’s positively value spending the time (and cash) visiting. You received’t be upset!

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