Curator’s statement
Japan has always been on my bucket list of places to visit, and it has etched itself into a special corner of my heart with experiences that exceeded all of my expectations. During my 10-day trip, I was captivated by the enchanting blend of traditional and modern elements. The food was absolutely mouthwatering - every meal was delicious. Japan's reputation for politeness and a deep culture of respect proved true, as we encountered world-class customer service everywhere we went. The country is incredibly clean - even Tokyo - which is surprising for its size. I could go on with how much I love Japan, but it is truly one of those places that you need to experience yourself to fully understand and appreciate it.
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Day 1: Arrive in Osaka
You will likely be very jet-lagged, so ease into your Japan adventure. After checking into your hotel, take with a stroll through the Hozenji Yokocho and Dotonbori areas to grab a spot to eat.
Explore Hozenji Yokocho, a charming district filled with traditional Japanese lanterns and cozy alleys. As you make your way to Dotonbori, be captivated by the vibrant neon lights and iconic billboards lining the canal. Along the way, find a welcoming eatery to indulge in your first taste of authentic Japanese cuisine.
Day 2: Osaka
Osaka Castle
Begin your day with a visit to Osaka Castle, an awe-inspiring structure that stands as a symbol of Japan's rich history. Explore the castle's interior and the surrounding park, soaking in the historical ambiance.
Osaka’s Shrines
Dive into Osaka's spiritual heritage with visits to Namba Yasaka Jinja and Shitenno-ji.
Namba Yasaka Jinja is my favorite temple in Japan! Nestled in the bustling Namba district, it stands out as a unique temple with its huge lion head-shaped stage.
Shitenno-ji, Japan's oldest Buddhist temple, provides a tranquil setting for reflection.
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Embark on a culinary adventure at Kuromon Ichiba Market. Stop by the many vendors to sample freshly caught seafood and delicious street food. Tip: make sure not to walk while eating. It is considered to be very rude in Japan. It is recommended to enjoy your meal in front of the vendor's stall.
Day 3: Travel day to Kyoto
Nara Park
En route to Kyoto, take a detour to Nara Park, home to over a thousand freely roaming deer. Be enchanted by these gentle creatures as they will bow to you before you feed them a cookie! Get here in the morning if you can. We arrived later in the afternoon and the deer were already full from all of the other visitors feeding them.
Nakatanidou Mochi Shop
Experience the art of mochi-making at Nakatanidou Mochi Shop. Watch the mochi making demonstrations where skilled artisans pound and shape mochi using large hammers. It’s a fun sight to see during your day trip to Nara!
And don’t miss the Mahoroba Daibutsu Pudding, a delightful treat with local ingredients from Nara! The main shop is right outside of the city, but you can find it sold in the train stations.
Day 4: Kyoto
Hokan-ji Temple and Higashiyama Ward
Begin your day in Kyoto with Hokan-ji Temple, also known as Yasaka Pagoda. Marvel at the stunning architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top. Then wander through the charming Higashiyama Ward, known for its traditional atmosphere and quaint shops.
Lunch at Nishiki Market
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Nishiki Market, Kyoto's culinary hub. We went here several times because it was easy to try a variety of different foods. My favorite snacks were the strawberry daifuku and wagyu beef sticks!
Yasaka Shrine
Conclude your day with a visit to Yasaka Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine located in the Gion district. Explore the beautifully landscaped grounds and appreciate the shrine's cultural significance. If you go in the evening, it looks absolutely magical as the entire shrine and surroundings are illuminated.
Day 5: Exploring Kyoto
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Wander through the enchanting bamboo forest, taking in the serene atmosphere and capturing incredible photos.
Tip: To beat the crowds, you’ll want to get here EARLY, ideally 7am, but no later than 8.
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Enjoy scenic views of Kyoto while observing Japanese macaques in their natural habitat.
Tip: Wear comfy shoes. We didn't realize it was a 20-minute hike to the top of a mountain! Bring some cash so you can buy food to feed the monkeys.
Day 6: Iconic Sights in Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Explore the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its vibrant torii gate pathway. Venture up the hillside to discover hidden shrines and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto.
Kinkaku-ji
Visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Admire the stunning architecture surrounded by lush gardens and a reflective pond.
Philosopher’s Path
If you have time for more temples, take a stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, a scenic trail lined with cherry trees. Visit temples along the way, such as Nanzen-ji and Eikan-do, immersing yourself in the tranquil ambiance of Kyoto's cultural heritage.
Day 7: Travel to Tokyo / Explore Shibuya
Shibuya Crossing
Begin your Tokyo adventure right in the middle of the action! Navigate the world's busiest intersection, surrounded by dazzling lights and towering screens.
Tip: if you want to view the crosswalk from up high, there are several options, including Shibuya Sky, Shibuya Mark City, and Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby.
Shopping
Shibuya is a popular shopping district in Tokyo so take some time to explore the different malls, restaurants, and bars, karaoke centers, and more. There’s something for everyone, but some of our favorites include:
Shibuya Loft - Seven floors of goods ranging from accessories, beauty products, clothing snacks, stationery, home decor, kitchen and bath accessories, furniture, travel items, and more.
Don Quijote - Your go-to spot for all things random. As one of Japan's largest discount stores, it offers a wide array of items at affordable prices.
Shibuya Parco - Unleash your inner child at Shibuya Parco! This is a shopping mall with a floor with stores dedicated to your favorite video games and anime series, from Pokemon to Nintendo and Capcom. There's something for every fan!
Day 8: Tokyo
Senso-ji and Nakamise-dori Street
Embrace Tokyo's rich heritage with a visit to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple. Explore Nakamise-dori Street for traditional souvenirs, including handcrafted items and local snacks. One of my favorite souvenirs was engraved chopsticks, but you might have to come back the next day to pick them up.
Kappabashi Street
The nearby Kappabashi locale caters to all your culinary needs, offering an extensive range of Japanese knives, crockery, lifelike plastic food models, and beyond. You’ll find anything and everything you need for your kitchen here!
Sumo Wrestling
If your visit aligns with a sumo tournament season (January, May and September), seize the opportunity to witness sumo wrestling at Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium!
Tip: Keep an eye on the ticket sale dates, because they will sell out quickly on the same day. Unfortunately, we missed the sale and had to purchase our tickets through a third-party vendor at a higher cost.
Day 9: Exploring Tokyo
Shinjuku
Dive into the vibrant district of Shinjuku, known for its bustling streets, entertainment options, and diverse culinary scene. Explore Kabukicho, Tokyo's entertainment district, and stroll through Golden Gai, a collection of narrow alleys lined with unique bars.
GoKart around Tokyo
Channel your Mario Kart skills as you navigate the city's landmarks, including the famous Shibuya Crossing. This was one of my favorite activities - a must-do for adrenaline junkies!
Dinner in Omoide Yokocho
Conclude your day with a culinary adventure in Omoide Yokocho. Indulge in the savory delights of tiny alley stalls offering a variety of Japanese cuisine, from yakitori to ramen.
Day 10: Final Day in Tokyo
TeamLab Borderless
Enjoy the mesmerizing world of digital art at TeamLab Borderless. It’s a one-of-a-kind museum that you experience with your body through interactive exhibits, captivating projections, and vibrant installations. Book your tickets early in the morning (since you have to take your shoes off, I read that it smells like feet later in the day…)
Tsukiji Outer Market
Grab lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market, a paradise for seafood enthusiasts. Some of my favorites were fresh king crab legs, the finest fatty tuna sushi, and savory grilled octopus. Make sure to pace yourself, I got so full early on and didn’t get to try everything I wanted!
Odaiba Seaside Park
Relax at Odaiba Seaside Park, offering impressive views of Tokyo's skyline. There are several attractions, museums and restaurants nearby for you to explore.
From here, you can witness the city's transition into the night as the Rainbow Bridge lights up in vibrant colors using solar energy.
We landed in Osaka and departed from Tokyo since it suited our plans. However, if you're flying into Tokyo, consider flipping the itinerary and finishing in Osaka. Alternatively, if your flights are both to and from Tokyo, you can spread out your time there. This itinerary is flexible, so customize it based on your travel preferences.
Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.
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Yvan Do
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Japan.