Final Japan Itinerary for First Time Guests

Visiting Japan for the primary time? This three-week itinerary is designed
to make the journey as fulfilling as attainable for you and your loved ones.
Whether or not you are a pair or a household with youngsters, this itinerary strikes
the proper steadiness between tradition, journey, and rest.

Japan has an plain attraction for a lot of travellers and planning that first
journey can really feel overwhelming. This nation has sat on my bucket checklist for a really
very long time and I wished to get it excellent and create the proper journey
for me, my husband and teenage daughter. Japan presents a magical mix of
futuristic cities, historic temples, and serene landscapes, making it very best for
these us looking for tradition, meals, and exploration.

I wished to tailor this information for others identical to me: first-time guests who
get pleasure from journey however admire planning and organizing their very own journey. Should you’re
on the lookout for mid-priced lodging—not too funds or luxurious—and need to
expertise Japan’s highlights with out falling into vacationer traps, I’ve you
lined. 

This three-week Japan itinerary contains iconic locations like
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, with aspect journeys to
Hiroshima and Miyajima, and Hakone that are properly price
seeing. Plus, I’ve included some insider ideas that may assist your trip go
smoother! 

How Lengthy Ought to You Keep In Japan As A Vacationer?

When deciding how lengthy to remain in Japan, it relies on how a lot you need to
discover. 

Simply convey your personal hot-weather journey necessities: a transportable fan, cooling towel, drink a number of water or Pocari Sweat, and
seize a UV-umbrella and trendy face towel when you’re there (I grabbed a
tremendous cute one on the retailers at Fushimi Inari Shrine!).

Getting Round

Japanese transportation techniques are remarkably environment friendly and logical.
After 2 or 3 days, and relying solely on Google Maps,
you will get the grasp of the general public transportation system
and get to your vacation spot simply. 

The strains and platforms are properly marked with most indicators in English, and
Google Maps is exact, telling you which of them particular subway vehicles to board on
and displaying arrival instances to the precise minute.

When it comes to reservations, I like to recommend:

As a first-time customer, that is one thing you might be little question fearful about.
I used to be too however I had taken some classes on Duolingo and Buusu, watched some
YouTube movies, and landed in Japan figuring out possibly 10 conversational
phrases. It was greater than sufficient to get by!

You will discover that the majority workers at accommodations, vacationer points of interest, and retail
retailers will know some English. Eating places will typically have plastic meals on
show and English menus accessible so you understand what you are ordering.
Directional indicators are sometimes displayed in Japanese and English, and on
buses and subways, you’ll hear bulletins in Japanese and English as
properly.

📌 TIP: Researching your transportation forward of time can prevent
confusion and reduce language challenges.

What I’d encourage you to do although is analysis all your
transportation wants forward of time. Understanding the place and purchase your
tickets, studying practice schedules and routes forward of time, and usually
understanding get from one vacation spot to the subsequent will prevent a
lot of time and confusion. 

These sort of in depth, detailed conversations, the place you are attempting to
talk your must the ticket agent, are tougher to have in the event you
do not converse the language.

However do not let any of that dissuade you. The Japanese individuals are useful and
accustomed to having vacationers from everywhere in the world.

Week 1: Tokyo and Hakone Adventures

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

After a protracted flight, the very first thing you’ll need is a clean
transition from the airport to your resort, so let’s begin with some
transportation ideas. We flew into Narita Airport and took the
Narita Specific (N’EX). It is going to take you on to central Tokyo in
about an hour, with stops in Shinjuku (the place we have been staying) and
Shibuya, two of the town’s most handy areas to remain in. Get a
ticket for the
N’EX on-line or at
the JR East Journey Heart within the airport terminal.

You may also
choose up a
Japan Rail Move (JR Move)
in the event you want one, and a
Suica
card on the JR East Journey Heart. It is a good suggestion to get a Suica card on
your first day. 

The Suica card is a pay as you go rechargeable contactless good card that you would be able to
simply faucet to pay fares for practice strains, subways, and may also be used as
fee in some comfort shops. You probably have an iPhone, it’s also possible to load
a digital Suica card as a substitute. Pasmo card is one other card that operates the
similar as Suica.

The place To Keep In Tokyo

On your keep, take into account reserving a resort in
Shinjuku,
Shibuya or
Ginza. Shinjuku and Shibuya are each vibrant areas filled with eating places,
procuring, and quick access to Tokyo’s prime sights. Ginza presents increased finish
lodging and strolling distance to flagship shops of prime manufacturers from
Uniqlo to Gucci.

Coping with jet lag and time change, I at all times
wish to have a little bit of consolation and familiarity on my first night time so we stayed
on the
Hilton Tokyo. It was conveniently situated with lovely metropolis views and a brief stroll to
the subway.

Day 2: Tokyo – Discover Shinjuku

First time guests ought to completely begin their first full day with a
go to to the Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing. The free
panoramic views
are gorgeous and an exquisite technique to be welcomed to Tokyo, the biggest metropolis
on the earth.

From there, hop on the subway at Shinjuku Station
to the Asakusa District. I will be trustworthy – Shinjuku Station is huge
and intimidating. It is among the world’s busiest practice stations, dealing with
over 3.6 million passengers a day!! 

The Asakusa Vacationer Data Centre presents implausible views of the
space, together with the enduring Senso-ji buddhist temple and
Tokyo Skytree. Take a stroll down full of life
Nakamise Purchasing Road earlier than reaching Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest
temple. Don’t overlook to observe temple etiquette, like bowing and purifying
your palms on the entrance. For lunch, cease at Kura Sushi Asakusa,
an genuine conveyor belt sushi spot the place you may seize contemporary plates
as they go by.

From there, you may stroll to Kappabashi,
Tokyo’s kitchenware district, the place shops supply lovely Japanese cooking
instruments and high-quality knives. A fast subway again to the resort leaves you
time within the night to discover Shinjuku. The well-known 3D cat billboard,
Godzilla head, and slender streets of Omoide Yokocho are undoubtedly
price seeing.

Day 3: Tokyo – Shibuya & Harajuku

Start today at Meiji Shrine, a tranquil oasis and Shinto shrine in
the guts of Shibuya. The stroll via the peaceable grounds and seeing the
conventional Shinto structure was one among my favorite experiences.

Subsequent, take a brief stroll to Harajuku’s Takeshita Road,
recognized for its vibrant trend and distinctive retailers. It is an excellent place to search out
classic clothes, inexpensive finds, and scrumptious candy treats. Close by
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando is the primary avenue to admire putting Japanese
fashionable structure.

Lastly, make your technique to
Shibuya Scramble Crossing, one among Tokyo’s most iconic sights. Early
night is the most effective time to benefit from the well-known Shibuya Crossing and full of life
environment of the encircling district.

📌 TIP: For quick, cheap, and straightforward ready-to-eat meals, go to the recent
counter in most comfort shops (7-Eleven, Lawsons, Household Mart) or the
“Depachika” meals halls discovered within the basement of Tokyo’s massive division
shops.

Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone

After a busy few days in Tokyo, you’ll find respite in Hakone, a picturesque scorching spring resort city recognized for its gorgeous pure
landscapes together with views of Mount Fuji. Hakone’s enjoyable scorching springs and
cultural points of interest are the proper place to rejuvenate and spend a while
in nature.

Journey by Romancecar from Tokyo to Hakone, having fun with
the short glimpse of Mt Fuji alongside the route (make sure you sit on the proper
aspect of the practice for the most effective view!) For discounted journey, make use of the
Hakone Free Move, which offers entry to numerous points of interest and transportation choices.

Each minute counts whenever you’re travelling. If you do not have a lot
time to go to your resort, benefit from the stress-free baggage supply
service at Hakone-Yumoto station. We had them switch our carry-on baggage
on to the
Hakone Lodge Kowaki-en which left us free to go sightsee.

The Lodge Kowaki-en is a surprising, newly renovated resort. I beloved the
conventional Japanese pajamas and slippers (everybody wore them to dinner and
breakfast), the ample buffet with Western and Japanese meals choices, and
free entry to the
Yunessun Sizzling Springs Park
subsequent door.

Your memorable expertise in Hakone begins with taking
the switchback Hakone Tozan Prepare to Gora Station. Generally known as
the “Hydrangea Prepare”, July is the proper time to see the perimeters of the
tracks blooming with vibrant hydrangeas.

After a fast cease at
Hakone No Mori for the fluffiest pancakes, you might be able to discover
Hakone Gora Park with its lovely gardens and tranquil
environment. Be sure you take a look at cultural actions just like the tea ceremony
or glass bead blowing. Our teenager completely beloved this exercise and it
was a a enjoyable technique to make a novel memento.

Lastly, do not miss
the Hakone Open Air Museum. I used to be blown away the Picasso museum and
the spectacular sculptures, all set in a spectacular outside setting.

Day 5: Hakone: Ropeway, Cruise, and Shrine Go to

A visit to Hakone would not be full with no trip on the cable vehicles
of the Hakone Ropeway from Sounzan Station to Owakudani, an
energetic volcanic valley recognized for its sulfur vents and scorching springs. There you
can attempt the well-known black eggs (Kuro-tamago), that are boiled within the
sulfuric scorching springs and believed so as to add seven years to your life, or black
ice cream in the event you’re not as adventurous.

Torrential rains pressured
us to desert our afternoon plans which included a scenic
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
throughout Lake Ashi which presents breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on clear
days. Disembarking at Motohakone, our plan was to go to
Hakone-jinja Shrine and cease to take images on the
Heiwa no Torii, the purple gate that stands within the lake.

Fortunately,
Hakone is an onsen city and you’ll find many choices to benefit from the space’s
pure scorching springs, even on wet days. We booked a personal onsen at
Hakone Lodge Kowaki-en, and it turned out to be an expertise I’ll at all times
bear in mind.

Day 6: Hakone To Osaka

From Hakone, make your technique to the bustling huge metropolis of
Osaka. Our keep at
Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi West
was fabulous and I extremely suggest staying on the Mimaru chain of
apartment-style accommodations. They’re usually fairly spacious and situated close to
grocery shops and transportation.

Start exploring with a protracted
stroll down Shinsaibashi-suji Purchasing Road, a bustling lined
arcade stuffed with fashionable boutiques, souvenirs, and native retailers. 

Within the night, head to the Dotonbori space, well-known for its vibrant
lights (cease for a photograph at Glico man!), full of life environment and avenue meals,
and take a look at the close by Hozenji Yokocho. With its purple lanterns,
cobblestone paths, and the well-known Hozenji temple, it presents a extra
conventional aspect of Osaka.

For a particular eating expertise,
get pleasure from dinner at
Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M Yokocho Department, the place you may the savor top-quality Matsusaka beef that Japan is understood
for grilled to perfection. Be sure you make a reservation and arrive on an
empty abdomen – we barely made it via the 8-course meal!

Need to get the small print of this itinerary in an easy-to-use spreadsheet
format?

Week 2: Exploring Osaka, Hiroshima and Kyoto

Making the trek to the highest of Osaka Fortress will reward you with 360° views
of the town. However be warned – the elevators weren’t in use throughout our
go to so we needed to stroll up and down eight flights of stairs!

If
you are able to eat, head to Kuromon Market, a preferred spot the place
you may pattern contemporary seafood, avenue meals, and native delicacies. Osaka is
referred to as the kitchen of Japan and I can see why – the shrimp tempura we
had there was critically the most effective I’ve had in my life!

For
breathtaking views of the town, go to the
Abeno Harukas Statement Deck, the tallest skyscraper in Japan. Or, discover the plush
Namba Parks which has a spectacular rooftop backyard and distinctive
procuring. Wrap up your day with a hearty bowl of Ichiran Ramen. At
this fashionable restaurant chain, you may customise your ramen and revel in it
in a comfy, personal particular person sales space—a must-try in Osaka!

👉🏼 Particular Notice: Baggage Forwarding Service for Problem-Free Journey in
Japan

In case you are planning any in a single day journeys in your itinerary, I extremely
suggest making use of Japan’s baggage forwarding service. Generally known as
Takkyubin or Ta-Q-Bin, it is a handy and dependable approach
to journey mild between cities. 

This service means that you can ship your baggage from one resort to the subsequent
or on to the airport, releasing you from the trouble of carrying
heavy luggage on public transport. We used this service to move our
baggage from our resort in Osaka to our resort in Kyoto, whereas we simply
took an in a single day bag with us from Osaka to Hiroshima in between.

You prepare to your baggage to be picked up out of your resort (verify
your resort presents this service), and it normally arrives the subsequent day, in
24 hours, permitting you to get pleasure from your journey with out further weight. We discovered
it to be inexpensive (roughly $40 CAD for every of our carry-ons)
and environment friendly!

Day 8: Osaka to Hiroshima/Miyajima: A Day of Tradition and Meals

Journey from Osaka to Hiroshima, then take a scenic boat trip to
Miyajima Island, well-known for its floating torii gate and serene environment. Our day there
was wet, which solely added to the ethereal environment. The island has an
abundance of deer you may see up-close roaming the streets, so its a superb
various to Nara Park.

There are numerous resort choices in
Miyajima, or return to Hiroshima. We stayed at
Lodge Cla-ss Hiroshima-Tokaichi, which was a positive funds pleasant lodging, however I would go for a resort
nearer to the Peace Memorial Park. For dinner, head out to get pleasure from
Hiroshima’s well-known layered type of okonomiyaki, filled with savory
components. 

Day 9: Hiroshima to Kyoto: Historical past and Custom

Begin your day in Hiroshima with breakfast at Bakery Roti. They
serve probably the most scrumptious French pastries and the proprietor is pleasant! Then
make your technique to the solemn Hiroshima Peace Park, a shifting tribute
to the victims of the atomic bomb.  

The
Peace Memorial Museum
is worthy of a go to, however I extremely suggest spending time on the
Hiroshima Nationwide Peace Memorial Corridor for the Atomic Bomb Victims.
The Corridor of Remembrance is extremely shifting, and together with the
Atomic Bomb Dome, is one thing I’ll always remember. 

Earlier than heading to Kyoto, seize an Eki-ben (a particular bento field) at
the practice station, good for having fun with whereas on the bullet practice. Upon
arrival, test in at
Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo. Just like the Mimaru resort we stayed at in Osaka, the resort rooms are properly
adorned and spacious. We beloved the handy location of this
family-friendly resort.

Spend the late afternoon exploring
Shinkyogoku Purchasing Road and the well-known Nishiki Market,
referred to as “Kyoto’s kitchen”. Finish your night time immersed within the wealthy tradition of
the close by historic Gion district, recognized for its conventional
environment and likelihood to identify a geisha strolling the lantern-lit
streets.

Day 10: Kyoto Temples

Each Japan journey information will inform you {that a} journey to
Kyoto
should embody a go to to the enduring Fushimi Inari Taisha.
This fashionable vacation spot is legendary for its hundreds of purple torii gates
that wind via the forested mountainside. 

📌 TIP: Japan is understood for its high-quality burgers. A cease at
Dragon Burger throughout from Fushimi Inari will reward you with completely the
greatest burger you’ll ever have in Japan! Months later and I’m nonetheless
dreaming about their Yuzu burger and do-it-yourself ice tea.

Subsequent, head to Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage
website recognized for its grand wood stage that gives panoramic views of
Kyoto. 

The Yoiyama night-festival which occurs on July sixteenth shouldn’t be
missed. Road stalls serve up scrumptious meals and you may see most of the
floats lit up and on show.

Outdoors of the pageant, one should
spend time exploring the Gion-Higashiyama space, beginning with the
iconic Yasaka Pagoda, a surprising five-story construction that stands
out towards the normal wood buildings. 

Day 12: Kyoto’s Pure Wonders

Keen to go to the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest however need
to keep away from the crowds??? 

Day 15 & 16: Tokyo DisneySea and Exploring Tokyo’s Icons

One enjoyable household expertise we have been wanting ahead to was a go to to
Japan’s theme parks. You will have a number of choices:
Common Studios Japan
in Osaka, and
Tokyo Disneyland
and
DisneySea in
Tokyo. 

DisneySea presents a novel, ocean-themed expertise, good for
thrill-seeking teenagers and people on the lookout for immersive points of interest. Tokyo
Disneyland, with its traditional Disney appeal, is good for households and
anybody eager to relive the magic of Disney.

Temperatures when
we have been in Japan in July have been extraordinarily scorching so we determined to start out our
go to to DisneySea later within the afternoon and keep for the night time time
present. It was a good time to go: we averted the crowds and with a number of paid
Premier Entry passes and brief lineups we have been capable of get pleasure from some
of the most effective rides.

The subsequent day, discover extra of Tokyo. You may
go to the Imperial Palace, residence to Japan’s royal household, and revel in
its lovely gardens. For lunch, head to Tokyo Ramen Road within the
underground of Tokyo Station, the place you may style among the metropolis’s
greatest ramen. Within the afternoon, discover your approach over to Akihabara,
Tokyo’s hub for electronics, anime, and manga tradition. It’s a must-visit
to your anime obsessed teenagers.

Day 17: Shibuya and Roppongi: Starbucks, Purchasing, and Skyline Views

One place we needed to go to was the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in
Nakameguro, a surprising four-story espresso haven the place you may get pleasure from
artisanal espresso, tea, and pastries in a classy setting. Even if you’re
not a espresso fan, you may get pleasure from beginning your day on the Roastery, one among
solely six on the earth, with it is beautiful structure and peek at espresso
bean roasting on-site.

For a remaining day in Japan, head to
Shibuya for a procuring spree. TikTok favorite
MEGA Don Quijote presents an eclectic combine of products, from snacks and
only-in-Japan KitKat flavours, to skincare and Korean make-up merchandise, and
enjoyable souvenirs. 

Different retailers I extremely suggest within the space are
Commonplace Merchandise (a should cease in the event you love cheap, minimal design!), Fingers,
LoFT, Uniqlo and Muji (an excellent place to select up further
baggage if wanted!)

Within the night, make your technique to
Roppongi Mori Tower for the
Tokyo Metropolis View, an remark deck that gives breathtaking panoramic views of the
metropolis. We arrived simply earlier than sundown and it was an exquisite technique to say
goodbye to this wonderful metropolis. 

Day 18: Journey House 

With 5 carry-on luggages now to manoeuvre, we did not actually need to hop
again onto a subway or categorical practice again to Narita airport. Probably the most
handy and cheap choice was to take the Limousine Bus. 

Good for first-time guests, it ensures you’ve all of the important
particulars in a single place, making your Japan journey clean and
stress-free.

An Unforgettable Journey By means of Japan

Whether or not it is exploring the colourful streets of Tokyo, soaking within the
serene great thing about Kyoto’s temples, or savoring native delicacies in Osaka,
this 3-week Japan itinerary presents an ideal steadiness of contemporary journey
and wealthy cultural experiences. 

Have questions on Japan? Go away a remark under!