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 type 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 folks tremendous pleasant and well mannered.

Japan stays one in every of my favourite nations. Regardless 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, persons are racing to go to! I personally might be heading again once more this 12 months, and numerous folks I do know are lastly making their first journey.

However the nation at all times appears forbidding to many vacationers. It positively nonetheless has that “unique” stereotype that makes folks suppose it’s laborious 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 quite a bit in a really brief period of time.

That will help you out, listed below are a number of urged itineraries based mostly on my years of visiting that may assist you 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 residence to the nation’s largest worldwide airport. In case your journey is seven days lengthy, activate your JR Go straight away, to be able to make the most of the free JR trains that run by way of the town.

Whilst you may simply spend your total 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 really an absolute must-see! You’ll be able to go without cost, however food and drinks excursions of the Tsukiji Outer Market can be found for round 13,500 JPY.
• See Sensoji Temple – Sensoji is superbly 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 personal 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 in the event you don’t drink, remember 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 – In the event you’re on the town on the proper time, this can be a must-do. Tickets promote out shortly, so guide early. Anticipate to pay round 3,800 JPY.

When you have extra time, think about taking a day journey to Kamakura to see the large 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 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 solutions, try my complete free information!
 
Days 3 & 4: Kyoto

Kyoto is arguably probably the most lovely 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 exterior of the busy summer time months. Even with a number of vacationers, although, the town continues to be magnificent and has quite a bit 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 Website 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. Situated close to the well-known Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the lovely locations in the 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 Website and residential to a mausoleum that homes the stays of seven emperors. The standard rock and sand backyard is taken into account among the finest within the nation.

For a half-day journey, you too can 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 can be upwards of a thousand years previous (which is uncommon in Japan, attributable to 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-about sacred. You should purchase crackers to feed them or simply watch them stroll round carefree.

Whilst 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 Website. Admission is 500 JPY.

For extra Kyoto suggestions and solutions, 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 Citadel although. Whereas it’s not the unique (this model dates to 1931), it’s however a powerful sight. It’s residence to a small however insightful museum and an statement deck that gives some picturesque metropolis views.

And remember to stroll down Dotonbori (ideally at evening), 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 folks had been killed by the bomb and the firestorm it created. One other 70,000 folks had been injured, and 70% of the town was destroyed.

Immediately, 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 images, 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 revel 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 solutions, try my complete free information!
 
Day 7: Tokyo

Head again to Tokyo on your flight residence. 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 move, 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 fantastic historic previous city (the Sanmachi Suji district) that dates again to the Edo Interval (1603–1868). The slender 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 may get!

In the event you like historical past, don’t miss the Hida Minzoku Mura People Village, residence to a group of conventional thatch-roof homes you could 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. You’ll want to have some when you are right here!

The Japanese Alps aren’t removed from right here as properly, so in the event you love mountaineering and need to lengthen 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. Mountain 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 residence to an extremely well-preserved Edo-era district. There are quite a few previous samurai properties 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 residence to precise ninjas, Myoryuji was constructed as a defensive construction (strict legal guidelines forbade native lords from constructing defenses, in order that they had been hidden within the temple to avoid the foundations). 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, residence to Mount Haku, one of many three holy mountains, is simply an hour south of city.
 
Day 12: Matsumoto

Surrounded by lovely views, Matsumoto is residence to one of many nation’s best-preserved castles, Matsumoto-jo (Matsumoto Citadel), which dates again to 1594. Whereas some sections have been rebuilt, the primary construction is unique. It’s colloquially often known as “Crow Citadel” attributable to its black exterior.

In the event you’re right here in April, there are unimaginable cherry blossom shows which can 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 among the greatest mountaineering 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 provides unimaginable views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko. Your entire area is scenic and common for laid-back getaways.

There are tons of accommodations (each fashionable and conventional) which have their very own sizzling springs (typically each indoors and outside). 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, remember to trip the cable automobile 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 a number of distributors on the high promoting eggs cooked within the sulfurous waters. It’s stated the eggs lengthen one’s life by seven years, so be at liberty to offer them a attempt!

In the event you favor 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 degree of health. Sometimes, hikers depart at evening with a purpose to arrive on the summit by daybreak. There are little outlets alongside the way in which that promote meals and even beds you’ll be able to hire prematurely if you wish to cut up your journey up. Simply be sure to do your analysis and put together prematurely because it’s a tricky hike!

In the event you actually need to play vacationer, you too can trip 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 value 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 solutions 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 residence to volcanoes and rugged landscapes, takes 15-16 hours by practice. There are sleeper automobiles obtainable, however you’ll should pay a surcharge (round 9,500 JPY) for a mattress. You’ll be able to finish your journey in Hakodate if you should stretch your legs and get off the practice 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 practice).

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

In the event 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 residence 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 acquired its begin. In the event you’re a whiskey fan, cease by The Bow Bar, residence to some uncommon (and costly) whiskeys and regarded among the finest such bars on the planet.

What I really like concerning the metropolis is its location. This area has among the greatest 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 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 automobile you’ll be able to take as properly.

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. 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, reside music, and scrumptious native meals on provide.

Moreover, remember 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 ultimate 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 would 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 shortly to keep away from breaking the financial institution.

However irrespective of how lengthy you go to, you gained’t be disenchanted. Japan is an incredible, lovely, 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 disenchanted!

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