From 1 to three 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 international locations that everybody loves. How are you going to 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 international locations. Irrespective of how lengthy I go to, it’s by no means sufficient. I all the time depart wanting extra.

With Japan open to vacationers once more, individuals are racing to go to! I actually can be heading again once more this yr, and numerous folks I do know are lastly making their first journey.

However the nation all the time appears forbidding to many vacationers. It undoubtedly nonetheless has that “unique” stereotype that makes folks assume it’s onerous to journey round.

The place must you go? What must you see? How do you benefit from your time there? Fortunately, due to Japan’s measurement and uber-fast trains, it’s very simple to see lots in a really brief period of time.

That can assist you out, listed below are a couple of prompt itineraries primarily based on my years of visiting that can make it easier 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
Chances are high you’ll be beginning your journey in Tokyo, because it’s house to the nation’s greatest worldwide airport. In case your journey is seven days lengthy, activate your JR Move instantly, in an effort to make the most of the free JR trains that run via town.

When you might 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 every 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 food 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 all the time busy however is price 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’s not to be missed. Even for those who don’t drink, you’ll want 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 – When you’re on the town on the proper time, it is a must-do. Tickets promote out rapidly, so guide early. Count on 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 ft) tall and dates again to the thirteenth century. The journey is round 90 minutes every method — and free with the JR Move!

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 ideas and ideas, try my complete free information!
 
Days 3 & 4: Kyoto

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

With its magnificence come a lot of crowds although, so attempt to go to outdoors of the busy summer season months. Even with a lot of vacationers, although, town remains to be magnificent and has lots 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 making an attempt 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 road and see ochayas (teahouses the place geishas entertain), the small retailers, and the numerous 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 one of the vital 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 Website and residential to a mausoleum that homes the stays of seven emperors. The normal rock and sand backyard is taken into account probably the greatest 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 can be upwards of a thousand years previous (which is uncommon in Japan, as a result of fires, in addition to World Struggle II). The actual 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.

When you’re right here, don’t miss a go to to Todai-ji. It’s the world’s largest picket constructing and is house to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was in-built 738 CE and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Website. Admission is 500 JPY.

For extra Kyoto ideas and ideas, 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 Fortress 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 commentary deck that gives some picturesque metropolis views.

And you’ll want to stroll down Dotonbori (ideally at night time), the primary road, 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 have been killed by the bomb and the firestorm it created. One other 70,000 folks have been injured, and 70% of town was destroyed.

Right this moment, Hiroshima is flourishing. 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.

When 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 too take a cable automobile 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 Move holders.

For extra Hiroshima ideas and ideas, try my complete free information!
 
Day 7: Tokyo

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

Japan Itinerary: Two Weeks

When 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
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 lovely historic previous 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 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!

When you like historical past, don’t miss the Hida Minzoku Mura Folks Village, house to a set 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 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. Make sure to have some when you are right here!

The Japanese Alps usually are not removed from right here as nicely, so for those who 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 simple and reasonable trails, that are open from April to November. Mountain climbing trails will also be present in Hakusan Nationwide Park (additionally only one hour away by automobile).
 
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 properties 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 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 embody hidden rooms, secret tunnels, and a maze of staircases and halls to confuse enemies.

When you 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 Fortress), which dates again to 1594. Whereas some sections have been rebuilt, the primary construction is authentic. It’s colloquially referred to as “Crow Fortress” as a result of its black exterior.

When 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

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 affords unimaginable views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko. Your entire area is scenic and in style for laid-back getaways.

There are tons of resorts (each fashionable and conventional) which have their very own sizzling springs (typically each indoors and outdoor). It’s the right place to wrap up a visit, calm down, and take within the views.

Along with getting a copious quantity of R&R, you’ll want to journey the cable automobile 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 lot 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 present them a strive!

When you 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 stage of health. Usually, hikers depart at night time as a way to arrive on the summit by daybreak. There are little retailers alongside the way in which that promote meals and even beds you may hire prematurely if you wish to break up your journey up. Simply be sure you do your analysis and put together prematurely because it’s a troublesome hike!

When you actually wish to play vacationer, it’s also possible to 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 value 14,000 JPY.
 

Japan Itinerary: Three Weeks

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

Utilizing the ideas above, right here’s how I’d manage 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 house to volcanoes and rugged landscapes, takes 15-16 hours by practice. There are sleeper automobiles accessible, however you’ll need to pay a surcharge (round 9,500 JPY) for a mattress. You’ll be able to finish your journey in Hakodate if 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).

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

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

Make sure 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 received its begin. When you’re a whiskey fan, cease by The Bow Bar, house to some uncommon (and costly) whiskeys and regarded probably the greatest such bars on this planet.

What I really like in regards to 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 town, head to Mount Moiwayama. It’s only a 30-60-minute hike to the highest, although there’s a cable automobile you may take as nicely.

And for those who’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 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 supply.

Moreover, you’ll want 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 retailers 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 get pleasure from your remaining hours right here and soak in as a lot as you may!

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 price range 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 disenchanted. Japan is an incredible, stunning, and distinctive vacation spot that I by no means get bored with visiting. Whereas it’s not as inexpensive as its neighbors, it’s undoubtedly price spending the time (and cash) visiting. You received’t be disenchanted!

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