First written: 29 Sep 2017
Quintessential experiences on your first Japan itinerary, on a funds — sure it’s doable, particularly with the beneficial alternate charges. Read until the top for our limited-time Klook promo code; don’t say bojio!
Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka Nara could also be deemed touristy, however there’s motive why they’re so in style. If it’s your first journey to Japan, undoubtedly expertise them for your self to see what the fuss is about.
If you’re returning to Japan, take a look at our different guides and itineraries exploring different lesser-known areas in Japan.
Budget Breakdown for 10D9N journey
Transport: S$449.75 (excld. flights from SIN – NRT)
Accommodation: S$261.21
Activities: $149
Food: $218.06
TOTAL: $1,078.03
Click right here for the detailed breakdown of journey bills.
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Pre-trip Essentials
Since we’re masking each the Kanto (Tokyo) and Kansai (Osaka) prefectures, a 7-day Whole Japan JR Pass (~S$292) is properly well worth the cash. Order them a minimum of 14 days earlier than you arrive in Japan. More data in regards to the assortment course of and the way the JR Pass works in our JR Pass information.
Day 1: The First 24-Hours in Tokyo
From Narita Airport to Tokyo: The Tokyo Skyliner brings you to Ueno station in simply 41 minutes. Since we’re in Tokyo for just a few days, we’ll be activating the JR Pass on day 4 and utilizing pre-ordered Tokyo Skyliner tickets (~S$23) to get to the town as a substitute
Getting round in Tokyo: Tokyo Subway Ticket (24hr, 48hr, 72hr) — buy on-line and gather from Narita Airport
Tokyo is bustling with issues to do from as early as 5AM until midnight. If we had the possibility, we might simply spend a whole week in Tokyo itself. If time isn’t in your facet, listed below are our high picks for twenty-four hours within the metropolis.
Tsukiji
Since 2019, the Tuna Auctions within the inside Tsukiji market have shifted to Toyosu Market. If you’re in search of contemporary seafood and eating places to get pleasure from them, Tsukiji’s outer market is what you’re in search of.
5AM Tuna Auctioning — Extremely in style amongst travellers, get right here as early 3AM to order a spot. But because you’ll be visiting Osaka too, save your early mornings for the Osaka Fish Market as a substitute — no reservations required there!
*Tuna viewing at Toyosu Market’s decrease remark deck requires advance reservations.
Tuna auctioning apart, one other nice motive to stand up early is for Sushi Dai — a well-known Omakase place with queues beginning as early as 3AM. We haven’t tried so when you do, tell us how if it’s well worth the hype!
For us late risers, Tsukiji nonetheless has rather a lot to feast on. One of our favorite shops was Nakaya 仲家 — which serves Kaisen Dons however the important thing takeaway right here is how inexpensive the uni (sea urchin) is!
If there’s a queue at Nakaya, get a pal to avoid wasting your spot within the queue (or vice versa) whereas the opposite enterprise out to purchase skewers across the outer market. Must-tries are the tamago (egg) on a stick (¥300) from Tsukiji Yamacho 築地山長 — served with a touch of radish on high — and the unagi skewers (¥200) from Nisshin Tasuke.
Asakusa
Sensoji Temple — constructed within the seventh century, this is among the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. Get your fortune studying (Omikuji おみくじ) for ¥100. Just drop your coin in and seize one of many steel containers containing picket sticks with numbers on it. Shake till one of many sticks escapes.
Your fortune may be discovered within the drawer with the corresponding quantity in your stick. English variations can be found though some could also be poorly translated. There’s a apply that when you obtain a nasty studying, tie it up on the steel stands to suggest “leaving the bad luck behind”.
Asakusa Suzukien — serves match gelatos that include seven ranges of matcha depth. Unless you’re a serious matcha fan, stage 7 could be a tad too intense. The really useful ranges are 5, and 6. My private favourites have been the Genmaicha and Hojicha ice cream (¥470 for a double scoop).
Shinjuku
Photo credit score: Manish Prabhune
Tokyo Metropolitan Government constructing — catch a birds-eye view of the town free of charge. On clearer days, you may even spot a silhouette of Mt. Fuji.
Unatoto — For lunch, seize a bowl of high quality unagi on rice (from ¥500!!). This small unassuming retailer tucked within the floor flooring of the Shinjuku Centre Building is a real gem for high quality unagi at an inexpensive worth!
teamLab Planets TOKYO
teamLab Planets (~S$30) — step into this interactive and immersive artwork gallery that engages all of your 5 senses. There are 9 completely different rooms to discover, every with a unique theme.
The exhibition will shut on the finish of 2023 so chuck it into your Japan itinerary earlier than it’s gone!
*Pro-tip: Entry is free with the Klook Pass Tokyo
Harajuku
Meiji Jingu Shrine — one of the well-known shinto shrines in Tokyo. Take a fast pit cease to understand its grandeur.
I’m actually hungry simply importing this picture right here. The Omotesando unique 4 cheese tart (¥950) discovered on the Pablo Premium Cafe is one thing all cheese lovers should attempt. Singapore has just a few Gindaco Takoyaki retailers by now however when you see one alongside the way in which, seize your self a serving (¥650).
Kurand Sake Market
Kurand Sake market — finish the day at this “drink all you can” sake buffet bar. For ~S$40, you’ll have limitless entry to greater than 100 various kinds of sake flavours. Whether you like fascinating flavours like milk, mango or the clear crisp style of draft sake, they most likely have it. There are 4 retailers (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Ueno)
*Pro-tip: Bring takeaway dinner and arrive at 5PM to maximise your time on the sake bar! (Outside meals is allowed)
If you have got extra days to spare, take a look at all the opposite quirky issues to do in Tokyo! From go-karting on the streets to purchasing in hipster neighbourhoods, our Tokyo information will hold you busy for a minimum of three days.
For foodies, tick off these well-known meals and eating places in Tokyo as properly, though, we are able to’t promise you’ll hold to the funds on this itinerary ????
Day 2: Tokyo Disneyland or Disneysea
For Disney followers, Tokyo’s Disneyland/sea is a should!
The park is extremely crowded on most days so arriving an hour earlier than the park opens gives you head begin to your favorite points of interest. Find out extra about Fast Passes, days to keep away from, and different useful ideas from our Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea information.
Chances are, you’ll be staying there previous the night time parade (normally round 8:30PM). If you end up hungry after returning again to the town, have a pleasant, heat and savoury bowl of ramen at Ichiran 一蘭 (most retailers are open 24 hours or previous midnight).
We additionally love the cheese gyu-don from Sukiya すき家 — most retailers both open 24 hours or previous midnight.
For adrenaline lovers, take into account including an additional day, or going to Fuji Q Highland as a substitute! Check out our Fuji Q Highland information for more information.
Day 3: Hakone through Odawara
From Tokyo to Hakone: Your ultimate cease is Hakone Yumoto Station — at Shinjuku station, activate your Hakone Freepass (~S$59.80 for 2 days) on the manned gantries. Take the prepare to Odawara earlier than altering to a different line (additionally coated by the cross) to your ultimate vacation spot
Getting Around in Hakone: Hakone Freepass 2D/3D will get you limitless rides on all the primary transports in Hakone incl. the journey from Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto
Hakone Torii Gate — There are a number of Torii gates round Hakone however essentially the most well-known is on the sting of Lake Ashinoko. You can view it from two vantage factors, on land and from a ship on the lake itself.
Hakone Old Checkpoint — In the olden days, individuals would use to stroll from Kyoto to Tokyo and Hakone was the final checkpoint earlier than they might attain their vacation spot. This part has been completely remodelled however nonetheless does a reasonably good job of setting the scene from the Edo interval.
Cedar Avenue — One of the best-preserved sections of the Old Tokaido route is that this scenic path, neatly lined with Cedar timber.
Lake Ashinoko — This iconic lake is the center of Hakone. There are just a few methods to discover: on a rented kayak, a swan paddle boat or a journey on the double-deck pirate-themed ship (free for Hakone Free Pass holders). Look out for the well-known pink torii gate on the sting of the lake. You may even spot Mount Fuji on a transparent day.
Owakudani — A picturesque volcanic valley well-known for its tasty black eggs boiled in sulphurous water.
Try their tamago (egg)-flavoured ice cream (¥350) which was completely scrumptious and oden (one-pot soup dish) which is ideal on chilly days.
Odawara Kashiden 小田原鱼河岸でん — Before returning to Tokyo, have dinner at this Michelin Guide restaurant which serves very worth for cash bowls of chirashi (~¥1200 – 1900). Turned out to be considered one of our favorite chirashi bowls on the journey!
*Pro-tip: Ask for a bowl of miso soup for ¥100 — is available in a medium-sized bowl with a bit of fish in every and with a robust dashi style. Great worth for simply ¥100!
Read extra: Hakone Travel Guide — The Most Scenic Day Trip From Tokyo
Day 4: Kamakura and Yokohama
JR Pass: Activate your JR Pass on this present day
For extra info on tips on how to use and plan your journey with the JR Pass, take a look at our comprehensive JR Pass Guide.
Kamakura and Yokohama are simply an hour away from Tokyo. Two methods to discover:
1) Bring your luggage alongside and go away them on the respective JR station lockers (¥300 – ¥500) whereas exploring the cities. Spend the night time in Nagoya (mid-way between Tokyo and Osaka)
2) Leave your luggage in Tokyo and take a day journey out
Kamakura
From Tokyo to Kamakura: Use the JR cross to take the JR Yokosuka line to Kamakura (just below an hour)
Filled with a number of temples, shrines, and scenic trekking paths starting from two to 6 hours, Kamakura is a pleasant enjoyable distinction from Tokyo. You’ll discover many locals from Tokyo taking a day journey right here throughout the weekends so decide a weekday to keep away from the crowds.
Photo credit score: Ponte Ryuurui
Kencho-ji (¥300) — Japan’s oldest monastery that’s nonetheless energetic at the moment. In reality, when you’re round on a Friday or Saturday, you possibly can even be a part of the beginner-friendly zazen (meditation) periods held from 5:30PM – 6:30PM
Great Buddha Statue (¥200 entrance price) — The different icon of Kamakura is that this 13.35m tall Buddha Statue. From Kamakura station, both take a 20-minute stroll or take the Enoden prepare (¥190 a technique).
Photo credit score: Jessica A Page
Hokokuji Temple (¥200) — Escape the summer season warmth at this temple, well-known for its personal bamboo groove with over 2000 stalks lining a slender pathway to a tea home.
Bonzo Kamakura — For lunch, have handmade soba noodles on the Michelin Guide earlier than leaving for Yokohama.
Yokohama
From Kamakura to Yokohama: Use the JR Pass and take the JR Yokosuka line to Yokohama (25 minutes).
Cup Noodle Museum (¥500) — Pick your individual substances and design your individual cup for ¥300. It’s fairly just like the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum in Osaka however rather a lot greater and has a barely completely different video proven of their mini cinema explaining the historical past behind the creator, Momofuku Ando.
Yokohama World Porter’s mall — If you skipped lunch at Kamakura, this can be a excellent spot for extra budget-friendly choices. There’s a meals court docket, a Gindaco Takoyaki retailer, and even melon pan (though I think the very best remains to be present in Osaka’s Dotonbori).
Yokohama Chinatown — One of the most important Chinatowns on the earth with over 200 Chinese-themed eating places and outlets. If you perceive Mandarin, you possibly can additionally get a palm studying executed right here as most of them communicate Chinese.
Day 5: Nagoya
From Toyko or Shin-Yokohama to Nagoya: Reserve seats for a Hikari prepare to Nagoya together with your JR Pass (105mins)
Getting round Nagoya: Purchase a 1 Day Nagoya Subway (¥740) or the Donichi Eco Kippu (¥600 — a reduced ticket which covers each trains and buses; obtainable on Weekends, public holidays and the eighth of every month)
Tucked proper between Tokyo and Osaka, Nagoya is simply as trendy as its neighbours however takes on a extra laid-back tempo of life. It’s dwelling to the Shinkansen Museum (SCMaglev) and Toyota Factories and nice as a base for day journeys to Nagashima Resort which has a curler coaster park, and a well-known outside onsen.
With only a day to spare, listed below are the Nagoya necessities that may be discovered within the coronary heart of Nagoya.
Hitsumabushi (Nagoya’s speciality) — What’s particular about this unagi don (grilled eel on rice)is the way in which it’s eaten. The dish is break up into 4 parts: the primary part is to be eaten by itself, the second is to be combined with wasabi and different condiments, the third with dashi broth or inexperienced tea and lastly, a repeat of your favorite fashion.
Eel isn’t low-cost and being the town’s delicacy, you possibly can anticipate a bowl of hitsumbushi to value a minimum of ¥3000 aside from a retailer we discovered positioned within the basement of the Shirakawa Sakae Gas Building which sells a bowl for ¥2450.
Unfortunately, we have been there on a weekend throughout the Nippon Domannaka Matsuri — considered one of Japan’s largest dance festivals held yearly at 20 completely different venues throughout Nagoya. By the time we arrived at 12PM, they have been bought out for the day. Do come early to get your title on the checklist when you’re right here throughout the weekends.
For one thing candy, there’s a well-known soufflé pancake store in the identical constructing subsequent to the hitsumabushi restaurant. There are clear glass home windows the place the kitchen is so you possibly can watch the cooks skillfully flipping the fluffy pancakes.
To be truthful, the dance competition added a really cheerful vibe to the entire metropolis the place we might view the performances free of charge on the parks and the streets. Each dancer had a lot enthusiasm of their eyes whereas performing, we couldn’t assist however keep for a minimum of three performances.
Nagoya jo (¥500) — One of the three most well-known castles in Japan. Apart from accessing the primary fort hold, the ¥500 entrance price additionally consists of entry to the reconstructed palace which served because the residence of the royal household. It was completely redone with replicas of the intricate art work adorning every of the sliding doorways.
Osu Kanon — An iconic Buddhist temple in Nagoya that dates again to the 14th century. Next to the temple is the Osu purchasing district the place you’ll find cafes, road snacks, and classic shops.
From Nagoya to Kyoto: Before night time falls, take the JR Hikari prepare to Kyoto (52min). Reservation wanted.
If you’d like a bit of extra time within the metropolis, keep the night time at Nagoya Hostel Nishiasahi and go away for Kyoto the following morning as a substitute.
Day 6: Kyoto
Getting round in Kyoto: Hire a bicycle from J-Cycle (¥800 from 10AM – 6PM)
Fushimi Inari Shrine — Probably one of the photographed locations in Kyoto. Come early to benefit from the cool air and even tackle one of many hikes to the highest.
Temple hopping on a bicycle
J-Cycle — Rent a bicycle and discover the close by shrines and temples across the Higayashi District. The legislation right here for parking bicycles is kind of strict so ensure you park on the designated areas or danger having it taken away by the authorities. Some would require a bicycle day cross which lets you park the bicycle at a few the opposite parking areas. Ask the store for a cheat sheet.
Recommended Cycling Route: J-Cycle – Imperial Palace – Philosopher’s Path – Nanzenji (Free Parking) – Gion Area – Kiyomizudera (Park at Kodaiji) – J Cycle (Approx. 1.5hrs biking time)
Philosopher’s Path — A pleasing stone path lined with sakura timber and roaming cats.
Photo credit score: Kosu
Nanzenji — One of crucial zen temples in Japan containing a number of sub-temples in its giant advanced.
Kiyomizu-Dera — Famous for its 13m excessive picket stage perched on the hillside, it’s on the checklist of UNESCO World Heritage websites.
Nishiki Market — Nishiki market closes at 6PM so return your bicycles and have an early dinner right here. Have your fill of matcha snacks, grilled skewers and enormous oysters.
Read additionally: 16 Foods You Must Not Miss in Osaka and Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto
Arashiyama
7AM at Arashiyama
We received right here at first gentle and there have been only some different people round. Take a stroll by the thick forest of bamboo stalks and make a cease on the numerous gardens across the Arashiyama space. Each backyard prices round ¥300 to enter.
*Pro-tip: Come early because the park begins to get drastically crowded round 9AM when the tour buses arrive.
Moss Garden at Gio-ji Temple
Day 8: Kyoto — Nara — Osaka
From Kyoto to Nara: Catch the JR Special Rapid Service which arrives in Nara in 45 minutes. No reservations wanted!
Getting round in Nara: Nara is fairly small and its points of interest aren’t too distant — so it’s simple to cowl by foot. It’s additionally very bicycle pleasant; lease bicycles for ¥700 till sundown. You can go away your baggage on the JR Station lockers for ¥300 – ¥500 relying on the dimensions of the locker.
Deer Park — To be trustworthy, there’s no must cease by the deer park as deers are all over the place, even on the temple grounds. Buy a stack of biscuits for ¥150 and the deers will bow to you simply to be fed which is completely cute. Just be careful on your JR Pass as they are going to fortunately gobble that up too.
Todai-ji (¥500) — Houses a big Buddha statue and is probably one of many largest picket constructions on the earth. Though be warned, this can be a well-known sight for varsity excursions so Nara might in actual fact be higher visited over the weekends.
Kasuga Taisha (free) — Leading as much as the shrine is a pathway lined with a whole lot of lanterns the place deers like to cover. They’ll fortunately trot out for a biscuit if in case you have one for them.
From Nara to Osaka: Once you’re executed with Nara, gather your baggage from the lockers and take the JR Yamatoji Rapid Service to Osaka (Slightly beneath an hour). No reservations wanted.
Day 9: Osaka
Getting round Osaka: If it’s your first time in Osaka, buy an Osaka Amazing Pass which provides you free entry to over 30 paid points of interest and covers all of your subway rides for the day. Check out our earlier Osaka itinerary which utilised the Osaka Amazing Pass over two days.
Minoo Park — If you’re seeking to escape metropolis life for a bit, take a fast prepare journey out to Minoo Park. It’s a straightforward 2.4km stroll with a beautiful waterfall to sit back by.
Dotonbori — No matter what number of instances we’ve visited Osaka, I nonetheless discover myself amazed at this road. It’s a sensory overload in the very best method — the neon lights, big pufferfish and transferring crabs that form of appears like an acid journey.
Our favorite meals picks listed below are the creo-ru takoyaki, the kin-ryu ramen (Chinese-style ramen with free-flow kimchi and leek), and to complete off with top-of-the-line melon pans in Japan (toasted sugar bun with a beneficiant serving of vanilla ice-cream).
Day 10: Osaka — Tokyo — Catch Flight Home
From Osaka to Tokyo: Take the Sunrise Izumo in a single day prepare which leaves Osaka Station at 00:34 (reserve tickets early!) and arrives in Tokyo at 07:08.
Sunrise Izumo: The prepare has personal bedrooms that require a top-up price however the Nobi Nobi seats (pictured beneath) are free for JR cross holders. These are a bit of extra snug than coach seats as you get to lie down absolutely and there are partitions that offer you sufficient privateness.
We’re enormous followers of taking in a single day transport because it saves time travelling (when you sleep). What’s extra, you save an evening of lodging coated by the JR cross! Double-win.
Though, one other spotlight of this prepare is that it rides previous Mount Fuji at dawn round 5AM so set your alarms if you wish to see it!
Back in Tokyo, if in case you have additional time to spare earlier than catching your flight dwelling, go away your baggage at Tokyo station and gather it earlier than taking the Narita Express (JR prepare) to the airport.
Accommodation Under ¥3,000/night time
Tokyo: Wise Owl Hostel
In Tokyo, Wise Owl Hostel was our favorite for its ultra-comfortable beds and is located in Shibuya, a superb location for exploring Tokyo. Read our full assessment of Wise Owl Hostel right here!
Wise Owl’s very personal cafe on the Shibuya Outlet
Address: 4 Chome-9-10 Aobadai, Meguro, Tokyo 153-0042, Japan
Cost for dorm mattress: ~S$25/night time (Seasonal charges. Check the Wise Owl Hostel Website for the very best charges)
Odawara (Hakone): Plum Hostel
Address: Japan, 〒2500011 神奈川県小田原市 栄町3-4-17 相湘11栄町ビル 2F-B
Cost: From ¥2,125/night time
Nagoya: Nagoya Hostel Nishiasahi
First began as a restaurant and bar, Nishiasashi prolonged its 2nd flooring into a comfortable dwelling area for its friends. The capsule-style beds have been tremendous spacious (sufficient to suit your backpack), excellent for a stopover on the way in which from Tokyo to Osaka.
Address: 1 Chome-6-13 Nagono, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 451-0042, Japan
Cost: From ¥3,000/night time (Capsule fashion dorm beds)
Kyoto: HARUYA Umekoji
HARUYA Umekoji is positioned near points of interest resembling Nijō Castle and Nishiki Market — additionally, it’s near Umekōji-Kyōtonishi Station!
Address: 1番地12 Wakicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8834, Japan
Cost: ~S$30/night time
Osaka: Ark Hostel
Address: 1 Chome-15-11 Edobori, Nishi Ward, 大阪市西区 Osaka Prefecture 550-0002, Japan
Cost: From ¥2,900/night time for a dorm mattress
For extra funds lodging choices in Osaka take a look at 9 Budget Accommodations in Osaka Under $50
Extra Pro-tips
1) Book your JR Pass, Disneyland tickets and transport passes earlier than arriving in Japan — we received all these through Klook a few week earlier than our journey!
2) Plan to go to theme parks outdoors of your JR Pass dates — Visiting USJ in Osaka or Disneyland/Disneysea in Tokyo (or each)? Since theme parks take up a whole day, you’d be losing a whole day on the JR Pass.
3) Visit Nagoya throughout the weekends — whereas we not often advocate visiting locations throughout the weekends, Nagoya is extra alive over as of late of the week. If you’re fortunate you may even get to catch a competition just like the Domatsuri we caught on the finish of August. On high of that, you’d additionally get to benefit from the discounted 1-day cross (Donichi Eco Kippu) which covers each bus and subway for ¥600 as a substitute of the common subway-only cross which prices ¥740.
4) Visit Nara throughout the weekends — shock, shock as soon as once more. The motive is that Todai-ji is a standard website for varsity excursions which usually occur on weekdays. You could be higher off coping with different travellers than a whole faculty of kids.
5) JR Pass Train Reservations — The Whole Japan JR Pass consists of seat reservations that are particularly helpful for long-distance rides e.g. Tokyo to Nagoya/ Nagoya to Kyoto. Most prepare reservations may be made on the day itself aside from the Sunrise Izumo (from Osaka again to Tokyo) — check with the following level. Breakdown of trains right here (2nd tab beneath).
6) Make reservations for the Sunrise Izumo when you arrive in Japan — one approach to maximise the worth of the JR cross is to take a spherical journey from Tokyo to Osaka. On high of that, rating an evening of free lodging on the Sunrise Izumo (a 7-hour journey from Osaka to Tokyo). Though, these run out fairly shortly so guide them as quickly as you possibly can.
7) Book your flights six weeks upfront for the very best costs — safe your flights whereas they’re nonetheless low-cost! Check costs right here:
If you possibly can’t see the widget above, take a look at costs right here as a substitute.
Tokyo is an unbelievable mish-mash of strange, with many quirky issues to do.
Then there’s Osaka — a foodie’s paradise, additionally a broke pupil’s paradise since you needn’t splurge to discover a good meal!
And lastly, Kyoto, a metropolis that preserves tradition so properly — want we are saying extra?
Hope you discovered our Japan Budget Guide helpful. Let us know within the feedback beneath if in case you have every other suggestions!
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