First Timer's Guide to Japan

Get to Tokyo — Shinjuku

You're likely to arrive at either the Narita or Haneda airport. From Narita, you can easily travel by bus to Tokyo. I recommend staying in the Shinjuku neighborhood. Check in to your hotel and try to fight jet lag and stay up.

Grab dinner

I recommend Black Hole for a first dinner. It's delicious Japanese BBQ with a wonderful cabbage salad. They were very accommodating to English speakers.

Explore Shinjuku

After dinner, explore Shinjuku's vibrant streets, filled with neon lights and endless entertainment options.

Getting around

The public transportation in Japan is a great way to get around Tokyo and city-hop. There are multiple guides like this one to help you learn how to navigate.

If you get up early and need a quick breakfast, I recommend the coffee and mochi-style donuts at Mister Donut. There are multiple locations throughout Tokyo.

Explore Shibuya

Start your day in the bustling Shibuya district, known for the iconic Shibuya Crossing and the famous Hachiko statue. From here, take a short train ride or walk to the tranquil Meiji Shrine, an oasis of calm in the heart of the city.

Afternoon in Harajuku

Continue your journey to Harajuku, where you can stroll down Takeshita Dori, a street lined with trendy shops, unique fashion boutiques. It's a uniquely Japan experience. In the afternoon, head to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a peaceful retreat, and wrap up the day with panoramic views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Explore temples

Begin your day with a visit to the Imperial Palace, the historic home of Japan’s emperor. Next, travel to Asakusa to explore Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo’s most famous and oldest temples.

Enjoy the gardens and cherry blossoms

Take a walk through Sumida Park, known for its cherry blossoms in the spring months. End your day with a visit to Ueno Park, another beautiful park in Tokyo.

Enjoy the hot springs

Venture outside Tokyo with a day trip to Hakone, a serene town known for its hot springs and natural beauty. This is one of my personal favorite places, and is a nice relaxing escape from the city life. After a two-hour journey, start with a relaxing soak at an onsen (hot springs).

Experience art and nature

Visit the Hakone Open Air Museum, a unique blend of art and nature, with unique outdoor sculptures, as well. Then head to Hakone Shrine and the scenic shores of Lake Ashinoko with views of Mount Fuji. You can then stay the night in Hakone or return to Tokyo.

Travel to Kyoto

After a few days in Tokyo, it's time to travel to Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart, with a three-hour train ride. Begin your Kyoto adventure with a visit to the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), one of the most iconic sites in Japan.

Other Kyoto highlights

• Wander Nishiki Market, where you can sample local delicacies. I tried so many delicious bites in the market.

• Visit the Kyomizu-dera Temple, a famous Buddhist temple in Kyoto. The temple and its surrounding area are a UNESCO World Heritage site that is a must visit.

• Explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple.

• Consider a hike up to Iwatayama Monkey Park for stunning views of Kyoto and its playful resident monkeys.

Depending on the length of your stay, consider additional day trips from Kyoto to these other wonderful cities.

• Nara: Take a day trip to Nara, home to the famous Todaiji Temple and its giant Buddha statue. Stroll through Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely, and visit the Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

• Osaka: Travel to Osaka to explore the iconic Osaka Castle and end your day with a visit to the lively Dotonbori Street. Enjoy a delicious dinner of Kobe beef at Tsurugyu before heading back to Kyoto.

• Hiroshima and Miyajima: Explore the famous Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate and optionally take the Miyajima Ropeway for stunning views. Return to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Museum and A-Bomb Dome. This is a sobering and historical experience that is an essential visit in the city.

More time in Tokyo

• If you enjoy anime, video games and arcades, spend some time in the Akihabara district. The area is filled with many shops and establishments dedicated to anime and manga, including maid cafes, arcades, and themed cafes. A visit to Super Potato for classic video games and spending some coins in the "gacha gacha" toy dispensers are must dos in this area.