From 1 to three Weeks

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 kind of international locations that everybody loves. How will you 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 stays one in all 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, individuals are racing to go to! I actually will likely 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 suppose it’s onerous 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 measurement and uber-fast trains, it’s very straightforward to see so much in a really quick period of time.

That can assist you out, listed below are a couple of recommended itineraries based mostly on my years of visiting that can aid 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
Chances are high 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, as a way to reap the benefits of the free JR trains that run by way of the town.

When you may simply spend your whole week in Tokyo and never get bored, listed below 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 actually an absolute must-see! You’ll be able to go totally free, however foods 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 night time and has a little bit of a red-light-district really feel to it. It isn’t to be missed. Even in the event you don’t drink, make sure to 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 e-book early. Anticipate to pay round 3,800 JPY.

When you have extra time, take into account 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 manner — and free with the JR Cross!

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 options, try my complete free information!
 
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 plenty of crowds although, so attempt to go to outdoors of the busy summer time months. Even with plenty of vacationers, although, the town continues to be magnificent and has so much 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 avenue and see ochayas (teahouses the place geishas entertain), the small outlets, and the various 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. Positioned close to the well-known Tenryu-ji temple, it’s probably the most stunning locations in your entire 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 among the best within the nation.

For a half-day journey, you can even 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 Battle II). The true attract Nara are the deer. Because the seventeenth century, these in and across the metropolis have been thought of sacred. You should purchase 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, 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’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 Fort although. Whereas it’s not the unique (this model dates to 1931), it’s however a formidable sight. It’s dwelling to a small however insightful museum and an statement deck that provides some picturesque metropolis views.

And make sure to stroll down Dotonbori (ideally at night time), 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 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.

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 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 revel in nature. It’s also possible to take a cable automotive to the height of the mountain to soak up 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, try my complete free information!
 
Day 7: Tokyo

Head again to Tokyo to your flight dwelling. It’s just 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

Should 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 an exquisite historic outdated city (the Sanmachi Suji district) that dates again to the Edo Interval (1603–1868). The slim 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!

Should you like historical past, don’t miss the Hida Minzoku Mura People Village, dwelling to a group of conventional thatch-roof homes which 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. Be sure you have some while you’re right here!

The Japanese Alps will not be removed from right here as effectively, so in the event you love mountain 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 reasonable trails, that are open from April to November. Mountaineering trails will also be present in Hakusan Nationwide Park (additionally only one hour away by automotive).
 
Day 11: Kanazawa

Kanazawa is commonly thought of “Little Kyoto,” as it’s dwelling to an extremely well-preserved Edo-era district. There are quite a few outdated samurai houses 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 have 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.

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 Fort), which dates again to 1594. Whereas some sections have been rebuilt, the primary construction is unique. It’s colloquially often called “Crow Fort” because of its black exterior.

Should you’re right here in April, there are unimaginable 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 among the greatest mountain 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 gives unimaginable views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko. Your entire area is scenic and fashionable for laid-back getaways.

There are tons of resorts (each fashionable and conventional) which have their very own sizzling springs (usually each indoors and open air). 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, make sure to journey the cable automotive 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 plenty of distributors on the prime promoting eggs cooked within the sulfurous waters. It’s mentioned the eggs extend one’s life by seven years, so be at liberty to provide them a strive!

Should you choose 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 night time with the intention to arrive on the summit by daybreak. There are little outlets alongside the best way that promote meals and even beds you may hire upfront if you wish to cut up your journey up. Simply be sure to do your analysis and put together upfront because it’s a troublesome hike!

Should you actually wish to play vacationer, you can even journey a mock pirate ship across the lake for extra views of the mountains, and Mount Fuji particularly.

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

Japan Itinerary: Three Weeks

When you have a 3rd week in Japan, you may decelerate slightly and spend extra time in every vacation spot.

Utilizing the options above, right here’s how I might 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 practice to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island dwelling to volcanoes and rugged landscapes, takes 15-16 hours by practice. There are sleeper vehicles obtainable, however you’ll must pay a surcharge (round 9,500 JPY) for a mattress. You’ll be able to finish your journey in Hakodate if that you must 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).

Should you do wish to spend a couple of hours in Hakodate, don’t miss the Morning Market, the place yow will discover plenty of recent seafood. It’s also possible to go to Fort Goryokaku, the primary “Western”-style fort within the nation.

Should you’d fairly 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.

Be sure you 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. 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 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 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 automotive you may take as effectively.

And in the event 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. Carry 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, reside music, and scrumptious native meals on supply.

Moreover, make sure to 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 outlets round there.

Day 21: Residence!

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 closing hours right here and soak in as a lot as you may!

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 irrespective of how lengthy you go to, you gained’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 inexpensive as its neighbors, it’s undoubtedly value spending the time (and cash) visiting. You gained’t be dissatisfied!

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