It’s no secret that Japan is a popular tourist destination. It’s consistently ranked as one of the world’s favorite countries to visit. After spending two remarkable weeks there with my brother, I can certainly see why.
I’m excited to share our adventure and all the tips I’ve picked up in this comprehensive travel guide. From the bright lights of Tokyo to the calming temples of Kyoto, Japan’s unique blend of tradition and innovation will leave you in awe.
Understanding Japan: Geography and Culture
Japan – an archipelago of more than 6,800 islands covering an area about the size of Germany – is home to 127 million (as of 2013) people, the 10th most populous country on Earth.
The majority of this densely inhabited island country comprises four islands:
Honshu: The largest island, home to major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.
Hokkaido: Untouched natural beauty, fresh air, and outdoor pursuits, with Sapporo as the main city.
Shikoku: The smallest of the four, famous for its 88-temple pilgrimage route.
Kyushu: Home to Fukuoka and renowned for its mountainous regions and active volcanoes.
Japan’s geographical diversity is also part of Japan’s cultural richness—unexpected rural ‘ivory towers’ are located just outside the bright lights of urban hubs.
Planning Your Trip: Budget and Connectivity
Budget-Friendly Travel
Despite the popular belief that Japan is an expensive place to stay, it’s astonishingly affordable. You can find lodging for everyone from the closet-dweller to the Pharaoh of Egypt and countless meals for 1,000 yen each (about USD 9), which means you can eat your fill of Japanese delicacies on a shoestring budget unless it’s shark fin.
Staying Connected
Staying connected is critical to having a great trip. I recommend buying a prepaid SIM card for your journey; we bought one from a service called SIM Card Key, which worked well enough for light surfing and group planning, which were our needs. It was essential for us to figure out Japan’s notoriously complicated transportation systems and coordinate plans with each other while we were there.
Navigating Japan: Transportation Tips
There is one tip that I still think of whenever I travel to Japan, but also anywhere else: the country’s complex transportation system can be both marvelous and very frustrating.
Here are some main tips that should make traveling through Japan a lot easier:
- Avoid taxis for long distances, especially airport transfers, as they can be prohibitively expensive.
- Buy an IC card (like Pasmo or Suica) for quick travel on public transport in all major cities.
- If you’re you’ll be taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) multiple times during your trip, consider buying a Japan Rail Pass.
- Use Google Maps for route planning and real-time updates on train and metro schedules.
Special mention should go to the Shinkansen, the high-speed rail service that takes you from the frequently mentioned metropolises to other cities across Japan. Traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto took about 13,000 yen (about $114) and was an experience in and of itself.
Tokyo: Where Tradition Meets Futurism
Tokyo is the most gritty port of call on a voyage through the strange dualities of a Japanese city. After landing at Narita International Airport, we rode the Skyliner express train to downtown Tokyo, dunking ourselves straightaway into Japan’s impeccably efficient public transport network.
Where to Stay?
When choosing accommodation in Tokyo, I recommend either Shinjuku or Harajuku:
Shinjuku: Good for night owls and people who want easy access to a big transport hub.
Harajuku: Though it’s just a bit further away from the action and notable landmarks, it is quieter than Shibuya and has some great spots close to Yoyogi Park and the Meiji Shrine.
Tokyo Highlights
Here’s an expanded list of must-see attractions and experiences in Tokyo:
Akihabara: dubbed the ‘Electric Town’, this paradise for anime, manga, and cosplay fans (throbbing with like-minded patrons in maid and schoolgirl outfits) cannot be missed: Don Quixote, a huge shop selling all kinds of souvenirs, and numerous arcades (where you can win any toy machine prize you like).
Tokyo Tower and City Views: For the best views of the city, visit Tokyo City View at Roppongi Hills; the Mori Art Museum at Roppongi Hills also has some contemporary art available to experience if desired.
Shibuya Crossing: See the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing (there’s a Starbucks with a perfect vantage point over the intersection – or else battle your way to the nearest building in the MAGNET by SHIBUYA109).
The art doesn’t have to function as a mirror of our reality. It doesn’t have to be the thing we’re looking at, or it can be the thing we’re looking at. Or, going way out into space, we might be the thing we’re looking at as well. The question before us is: what kind of beings are we? teamLab Planets – a digital art museum that has been hailed as ‘pure acid for the soul’. Book your tickets now.
The outer Tsukiji Market: Although the inner market has been moved, the outer market is still a foodie’s delight and a great window into Tokyo’s foodways.
Temple and Shrine Circuit: Senso-ji Temple (stay at Ryokan Asakusa nearby), Meiji Shrine, Zojo-ji Temple (stay at Nihonbashi Muromachi BLDG near nearby), Yasukuni Shrine, Tenno-ji Temple (stay at Hotel Granvia Osaka nearby).
Tokyo’s Culinary Landscape
Tokyo offers just about anything you could imagine when it comes to food — from the gourmet creations you’ll find at the city’s six Michelin three-star restaurants to the cheap and cheerful fare you’ll find on almost any street corner. Here’s a selection of culinary highlights.
| Restaurant | Specialty |
|---|---|
| Ichiran Ramen | Famous tonkatsu ramen |
| Afuri | Yuzu-flavored ramen |
| Nakiryu | Michelin-starred ramen |
| Uobei Sushi | Quirky conveyor belt sushi |
| Manten Sushi | High-end sushi experience |
| Kyubey Sushi | Traditional sushi |
| Sushi No Midori | Affordable quality sushi |
| Zanmai Sushi | 24-hour sushi chain |
Don’t dismiss the wares of convenience stores. They can be excellent and varied and are made for frugal flâneurs on the road.
Kyoto: A Journey Through Time
From Tokyo, with its onslaught of the senses, we moved on to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient imperial capital. In so many ways, Kyoto seems to offer a complementary axis to the world’s most technologically advanced city. Again, the contrast between the two vividly captures the country’s propensity for juxtaposing the hyper-new with the profoundly traditional.
Where to Stay?
I recommend you stay in or around Gion. You’ll be conveniently located in central Kyoto, near most of its major attractions, and able to experience some of the city’s geisha action.
Exploring Kyoto’s Rich Heritage
Kyoto is a city best explored at a leisurely pace. Here are some highlights:
Gion District: Start your Kyoto adventure in this historic neighborhood.
Pontocho: An atmospheric alley lined with traditional restaurants and bars.
Hanami-koji: Ancient streets where you might spot geishas hurrying between appointments.
Yasaka Shrine: The main shrine in the Gion area is beautiful both day and night.
Nishiki Market: This covered shopping street, running several blocks between Shijo Street and Teramachi Street, sells local specialties and craft items. It’s referred to as Kyoto’s Kitchen.
Temple Circuit:
Nanzen-ji Temple: Features a picturesque Zen garden and an impressive aqueduct.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Offers stunning views over Kyoto from its wooden terrace.
Fushimi Inari Shrine: Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
Arashiyama Area:
Bamboo Grove: Walk through the iconic bamboo forest.
Iwatayama Monkey Park: Take a morning trek here for great photo ops of both Japanese macaques and Kyoto.
Tenryu-ji Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage site with a beautiful landscape garden.
Sagano Scenic Railway: take a scenic train journey along the Hozugawa River, which is beautiful, particularly in autumn.
Kyoto’s Culinary Delights
Kyoto is renowned for its refined cuisine, particularly its kaiseki ryori (multi-course dinner). Here are some dining experiences to consider:
Kyo-kaiseki: Try this Kyoto-style kaiseki at restaurants like Kyoto Kitcho or Arashiyama Yoshimura.
Sushi: For high-quality yet affordable sushi, visit Sushi Tetsu.
Tempura: Sample crispy, light tempura at Tempura Komefuku.
Traditional Sweets: Don’t Remember Kagizen Yoshifuza for traditional Japanese sweets, especially their kuzukiri noodles.
In the evenings, after dinner, you can walk by the Kamogawa River and listen to local street performers or drink as the sun sets.
Osaka: The Nation’s Kitchen
Next, we headed to Osaka, affectionately known as the country’s ‘gastronomic capital’. It’s not just the food that distinguishes Osaka – the city has a comparative, more laid-back feel than either Tokyo or Kyoto, friendlier and more down-to-earth than its counterparts.
Where to Stay?
Suppose you want to stay in one neighborhood. In that case, the Minami (Namba) region—the very center of the Osakan universe—is the most convenient spot. It offers proximity to most of Osaka’s must-see attractions and food destinations.
Osaka’s Must-Visit Spots
Dotonbori- entertainment district of Osaka. Go to Osaka and see the Glico Man sign!
Osaka Castle: An impressive historical landmark surrounded by beautiful grounds.
Shinsekai: A retro district that offers a glimpse into Osaka’s past.
Amerikamura: The so-called ‘American Village‘ is a neighborhood that features youth culture and fashion.
Umeda Sky Building: Offers panoramic views of the city from its Floating Garden Observatory.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: home to more than 500 species of marine life, this aquarium is one of the largest in the world.
Tempozan Ferris Wheel: Enjoy breathtaking views of Osaka Bay.
Universal Studios Japan: For those seeking theme park thrills.
Osaka’s Culinary Paradise
Osaka isn’t called “Japan’s kitchen“ for nothing. Here are some must-try food experiences:
Okonomiyaki at Fukutaro: Try this savory pancake, an Osaka specialty.
Takoyaki at Kukuru: Sample these delicious octopus-filled balls.
Kushi-katsu at Daruma: Enjoy deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables.
Yakiniku at Yakiniku M: Indulge in high-quality grilled beef.
Cheesecake at Pablo: For those with a sweet tooth.
Take a chance on street food; if it looks good, it will. Try small eateries for some of Osaka’s best restaurant meals.
Nara: A Day Trip to Remember
Our final stop before heading back to Tokyo was in Nara, a small city with a large historical reputation. Famous for its tame deer and its sprawling temples, Nara makes a great day trip from either Kyoto or Osaka.
Where to Stay?
If you do decide to spend the night, I’d suggest staying in lodgings near Nara Park. The Nara Visitors Center and Inn has basic, inexpensive rooms nearby.
Nara’s Highlights
Nara Park: more than 1,000 wild, free-roaming deer (worshipped for ages as messengers of the gods in Shinto).
Todai-ji Temple: Houses the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue.
Isuien Garden: A peaceful traditional Japanese landscape garden.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine: Famous for its many stone and bronze lanterns.
Naramachi: The former merchant district with well-preserved traditional architecture.
Nara National Museum: Showcases Buddhist art and artifacts.
Unique Nara Experiences
Mochi Pounding Show: Watch and taste freshly made mochi.
Lamp Bar: This tiny, world-famous bar where you can meet Tibetans and other travelers, get a beer, and chat.
Kuzu Mochi at Nakatanidou: Try their famous kuzu mochi, pounded right before your eyes.
Wrapping Up
After Nara, we flew back to Tokyo for our last few days, returning to our favourite places and finding new ones, too. This sample itinerary shows only a small part of what Japan has to see.
We had yet to approach the nation’s fabulous beaches, which range from subtropical to snow-covered. We had yet to seehadn’t Hiroshima, the ocean port of Kobe, hot baths in Hakone, or tropical beaches in Okinawa.
I’ve been to Japan several times before, and each visit has revealed new jewels that are hidden from the casual visitor. It’s a country that rewards return visits, and nowhere else in the world are there quite such incredible combinations of cutting-edge technology and ancient customs, natural beauties and human creations, culinary marvels and abstract pursuits.
When I think of our trip now, I’m already planning my next visit to this remarkable nation because there is always so much more to see. Japan is a destination that will haunt your heart and your imagination until you find yourself, once again, plane-bound to explore this magical land. It’s a wonderful country that is always worth visiting.