Japan is the kind of place that grabs your heart and never lets go. One minute you’re standing in the quiet gardens of a 400-year-old temple, the next you’re under a neon-lit skyscraper, waiting for the Shinkansen that will whisk you across the country at bullet speed. It’s ancient and futuristic, serene and chaotic, refined and quirky, often all in the same day. Why go? Because Japan has everything: sushi that melts in your mouth, steaming onsens under the stars, and an art scene so inventive it’ll blow your mind. Add to that some of the friendliest, most polite people you’ll ever meet, and you’ve got a destination that’s as seamless as it is unforgettable.
Must-Do Experiences in Japan
-
Eat sushi like the locals do: Book a counter seat at Manten Sushi Hibiya Okuroji in Tokyo and prepare for a parade of bite-sized perfection. Every piece feels like a tiny love letter from the chef. (Hot tip: book on TableCheck).
-
Walk through the torii gates of Fushimi Inari: Kyoto’s endless tunnel of bright orange gates is one of Japan’s most iconic sights. Go early, wander off the main path, and you’ll find yourself alone among fox statues and bamboo groves.
-
Catch Mt. Fuji at golden hour: Whether you’re soaking in an onsen in Kawaguchiko, or climbing the 398 steps to Chureito Pagoda, nothing prepares you for that perfect Fuji silhouette. Bring your camera, but also take a moment just to breathe it in.
Suggested 17-Day Itinerary
This trip mixes the buzz of Tokyo, the calm of Kyoto’s temples, the neon fun of Osaka, and the natural beauty of Mt. Fuji. You’ll be riding trains, slurping ramen, and wandering through shrines like it’s your new full-time job.
| DAYS | DESCRIPTION | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explore Shinjuku's neon nights and Omotesando's sleek shops. End the evening at Omoide Yokocho for yakitori in a lantern-lit alley. | Stay in Shibuya: your Tokyo basecamp for exploring nearby neighborhoods. |
| 2 | Head to Ikebukuro: dive into ramen at Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbō, then hunt for manga at second-hand shops. | |
| 3 | Spend the day in Shibuya – cross the scramble, visit Shibuya Sky (book ahead), and grab a drink at MAGNET overlooking the chaos below. | |
| 4 | Choose your vibe: vintage finds in Shimokitazawa, cat luck at Gotokuji Temple, or modern art immersion at the Yayoi Kusama Museum. | |
| 5 | Take the Fuji Excursion train to Lake Kawaguchi (easy to book via Klook). Check into a ryokan with onsen and enjoy a kaiseki dinner in your robe. | Stay at Lake Kawaguchi: traditional ryokan with Fuji views and private hot spring baths. Our favorite Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou. |
| 6 | Visit Chureito Pagoda, stroll Oshino Hakkai's crystal ponds, and end the day soaking in an onsen with Mt. Fuji in sight. (We booked a tour via Tourist Base Kawaguchiko) | |
| 7 | Leisurely morning by the lake before returning to Tokyo and catching the Shinkansen to Kyoto. | |
| 8 | Join a Gion walking tour to learn about geiko and maiko traditions. Sample street food at Nishiki Market afterwards. | Stay in Kyoto: a machiya-style inn near Gion or Higashiyama for easy access to temples and tea houses. |
| 9 | Temple-hopping: visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), stroll the Philosopher's Path to Nanzen-ji, then finish at Fushimi Inari's torii gates. Dinner at Akatsuki for ramen and gyoza. | |
| 10 | Take the scenic Hankyu Kyo-Train Garaku to Osaka. Walk through Dotonbori's neon streets and have okonomiyaki at Chibo (famous franchise). | Stay in Osaka: Namba or Umeda area for nightlife, food, and day trip convenience. |
| 11 | Free walking tour in the morning, then visit Osaka Castle and Umeda Sky Building. Spend the night izakaya-hopping. | |
| 12 | Full day at Universal Studios Japan – don't miss Nintendo World (book in advance! I suggest to join the Facebook Group for insights on ticket releases, express passes and more, as it can be a bit tricky). | |
| 13 | Day trip to Nara: feed the friendly deer and visit Todaiji Temple. Return to Tokyo via Shinkansen in the evening. | |
| 14 | Visit Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple and shop for ceramics along Kappabashi Street. | Stay in Ginza: refined hotels and easy access to central Tokyo for a relaxed finale. |
| 15 | Art immersion day: TeamLab Borderless and The National Art Center, followed by a bookstore crawl in Jimbocho. | |
| 16 | Early breakfast at Tsukiji Fish Market, visit Ginza Itoya for stationery, and people-watch at the flagship Uniqlo. | |
| 17 | Final day: ascend Tokyo Skytree for sweeping views of the city before departure. |
Eat Your Way Through Japan
Japan is a dream for food lovers, from Michelin-starred sushi counters to steaming bowls of ramen on hidden side streets. Here are five must-try stops:
-
Manten Sushi Hibiya Okuroji (Tokyo): Omakase perfection. Amazing toro, silky uni, and rice seasoned just right. Book ahead!
-
Imakatsu Roppongi (Tokyo): Tonkatsu at its best: crisp, golden pork cutlets that melt in your mouth.
-
Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbō (Tokyo): Spicy, numbing miso ramen with customizable heat and an unforgettable flavor punch.
-
Akatsuki (Kyoto): Comfort ramen with gyoza and karaage, the perfect temple-day refuel.
-
Chibo (Osaka): Sizzling okonomiyaki cooked tableside. It’s Osaka’s signature dish done right.
Pro tip: And for extra fun? Download a Japanese Food Bingo card (like this one) and see if you can eat your way through every square.
Other Gems You Shouldn’t Miss
-
Tokyo Toilet Project: yes, toilets, but redesigned by world-class architects. Only in Japan would public restrooms become design destinations.
-
Tea Ceremony at Taihoan in Uji (Kyoto): sip matcha by the river in the birthplace of Japanese green tea.
-
Himeji Castle: a day trip from Osaka to see Japan’s most spectacular surviving feudal castle.
-
Nishiki Market in Kyoto: Kyoto’s kitchen, with stalls selling everything from pickles to mochi.
For more inspirations, check out the Google Maps List: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PdiSe3L1hASf5vPn7
Quick Travel Tips
-
Suica Card: Skip ticket machines, just add it to your Apple Wallet and charge it directly there.
-
Foodie Tip: Check ratings on Tabelog before committing (keep in mind that a ~3 star-rating already means it’s a very good restaurant), then book online with TableCheck.
-
Best Seasons: Spring (March–April) for cherry blossoms or autumn (October–November) for fiery leaves. But all year long is great!
-
Language: Japanese is the main language, but signs and transport are surprisingly foreigner-friendly.
-
Etiquette: Slurp your ramen, but keep your voice down on trains. Be respectful and mindful. You are a visitor in this country.
Japan is more than a trip, it’s a full-blown sensory adventure. You’ll leave with temple bells ringing in your ears, neon reflections in your eyes, and the taste of miso ramen still lingering on your tongue. So, what do you say? Ready to wander through torii gates, ride the bullet train, and discover the magic for yourself?