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 are you able to 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 certainly one of my favourite international locations. No matter 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, persons are racing to go to! I actually can be heading again once more this 12 months, and numerous individuals I do know are lastly making their first journey.

But the nation all the time appears forbidding to many vacationers. It undoubtedly nonetheless has that “exotic” stereotype that makes individuals suppose it’s laborious to journey round.

Where must you go? What must you see? How do you benefit from your time there? Luckily, due to Japan’s dimension and uber-fast trains, it’s very simple to see rather a lot in a really brief period of time.

To enable you to out, listed below are a number of prompt itineraries based mostly on my years of visiting that can enable you to see the very best websites in addition to get off the crushed path and get an actual sense of Japanese tradition:

Japan Itinerary: One Week

Day 1 & 2: Tokyo
Chances are you’ll be beginning your journey in Tokyo, because it’s house to the nation’s largest worldwide airport. If your journey is seven days lengthy, activate your JR Pass instantly, as a way to benefit from the free JR trains that run by way of the town.

While you would simply spend your complete week in Tokyo and never get bored, listed below are a few of the highlights:

• Visit 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 can 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 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 principle corridor. It’s all the time busy however is value seeing with your individual eyes.
• Drink in Golden Gai – This alleyway of back-street bars is a energetic place to drink at evening and has a little bit of a red-light-district really feel to it. It is to not be missed. Even when you don’t drink, you’ll want to wander about.
• Visit 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 – If you’re on the town on the proper time, it is a must-do. Tickets promote out shortly, so e-book early. Expect to pay round 3,800 JPY.

If you might have extra time, think about taking a day journey to Kamakura to see the enormous Buddha statue (Daibutsu). It is over 13 meters (42 ft) tall and dates again to the thirteenth century. The journey is round 90 minutes every approach — and free with the JR Pass!

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 appears like stepping again in time. It’s nestled into the mountains and dappled with temples, gardens, and bamboo forests.

With its magnificence come numerous crowds although, so attempt to go to exterior of the busy summer time months. Even with numerous vacationers, although, the town continues to be magnificent and has rather a lot to supply. Some issues to see and do that you just shouldn’t miss are the next:

• Visit 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 Site and one of many most-visited locations within the nation!
• Explore Gion – Gion is the historic geisha district. Stroll alongside the principle road and see ochayas (teahouses the place geishas entertain), the small retailers, and the various eating places that line the district’s streets. You can take a strolling tour of Gion for 1,600 JPY.
• Wander within the Bamboo Forest – For a calming break, head to Arashiyama and let the calm swaying of the forest envelop you. Located close to the well-known Tenryu-ji temple, it’s probably the most lovely locations in your complete nation (arrive early if you wish to take pleasure in it with out the crowds).
• Admire Ryoan-ji temple – This is my favourite temple in Kyoto. It’s additionally a UNESCO World Heritage Site and residential to a mausoleum that homes the stays of seven emperors. The conventional rock and sand backyard is taken into account probably the greatest within the nation.

For a half-day journey, you may also 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, on account of fires, in addition to World War II). The actual attract Nara are the deer. Since the seventeenth century, these in and across the metropolis have been thought of sacred. You can purchase crackers to feed them or simply watch them stroll round carefree.

While 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 Site. 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 can 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 Castle although. While it’s not the unique (this model dates to 1931), it’s nonetheless a formidable sight. It’s house to a small however insightful museum and an commentary deck that provides some picturesque metropolis views.

And you’ll want to stroll down Dotonbori (ideally at evening), the principle 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 individuals have been killed by the bomb and the firestorm it created. Another 70,000 individuals have been injured, and 70% of the town was destroyed.

Today, 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.

If you’re feeling like getting out of city afterward, head to Miyajima, an island that provides a spot to hike and luxuriate in nature. You may 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 Pass holders.

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

Head again to Tokyo in your flight house. 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

If 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
Follow 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 Period (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!

If you want historical past, don’t miss the Hida Minzoku Mura Folk 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 legendary 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. Be positive to have some while you’re right here!

The Japanese Alps will not be removed from right here as effectively, so when you love 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. Hiking trails can be present in Hakusan National Park (additionally only one hour away by automotive).
 
Day 11: Kanazawa

Kanazawa is usually thought of “Little Kyoto,” as it’s house to an extremely well-preserved Edo-era district. There are quite a few previous samurai houses you may admire (and one, the Nomura House, which is restored and open to the general public).

One of the extra distinctive temples in Japan is right here too: Ninja (Myoryuji) Temple. While the temple wasn’t house 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 foundations). These embody hidden rooms, secret tunnels, and a maze of staircases and halls to confuse enemies.

If you want a break from exploring cities, Hakusan National Park, house 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 house to one of many nation’s best-preserved castles, Matsumoto-jo (Matsumoto Castle), which dates again to 1594. While some sections have been rebuilt, the principle construction is authentic. It’s colloquially generally known as “Crow Castle” on account of its black exterior.

If you’re right here in April, there are unbelievable 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 a few of the greatest climbing within the nation.
 
Days 13 & 14: Hakone

Located 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 unbelievable views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko. The complete area is scenic and widespread for laid-back getaways.

There are tons of accommodations (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.

In addition to getting a copious quantity of R&R, you’ll want to journey the cable automotive up the mountain for much more superb views. The space 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 numerous distributors on the prime promoting eggs cooked within the sulfurous waters. It’s stated the eggs extend one’s life by seven years, so be happy to provide them a attempt!

If you like 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. Typically, hikers depart at evening with the intention to arrive on the summit by daybreak. There are little retailers alongside the best way that promote meals and even beds you may hire prematurely if you wish to cut up your journey up. Just be sure you do your analysis and put together prematurely because it’s a troublesome hike!

If you actually need to play vacationer, you may also 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 principle sights value 14,000 JPY.
 

Japan Itinerary: Three Weeks

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

Using 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: Train 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 must pay a surcharge (round 9,500 JPY) for a mattress. You can finish your journey in Hakodate if it’s essential stretch your legs and get off the practice for a bit. Otherwise, you may head on to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido (one other three hours by practice).

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

If you’d relatively 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.

Be positive 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. If you’re a whiskey fan, cease by The Bow Bar, house to some uncommon (and costly) whiskeys and thought of probably the greatest such bars on the planet.

What I really like concerning the metropolis is its location. This area has a few of the greatest climbing within the nation. There are loads of 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 very 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 when you’re visiting within the winter, hit the slopes! There are over 100 ski resorts in Hokkaido. You can hire skis (or a snowboard) for round 4,500-10,000 JPY. Lift costs are normally 4,000-6,000 JPY per day.In the winter, don’t miss the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. It’s held each February and attracts over two million guests. There are ice sculptures, igloos, stay music, and scrumptious native meals on supply.

Additionally, you’ll want to 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: Home!

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 is 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 shortly to keep away from breaking the financial institution.

But irrespective of how lengthy you go to, you gained’t be upset. Japan is an incredible, lovely, and distinctive vacation spot that I by no means get bored with visiting. While it’s not as inexpensive as its neighbors, it’s undoubtedly value spending the time (and cash) visiting. You gained’t be upset!

REMINDER: You will certainly want a JR Pass to get round. Be positive to get one BEFORE you go! For extra info on the cross, learn this weblog submit I wrote about it.