Japan
Weather – 60s/70s, no rain
Month – November
Itinerary
1st/2nd Day – Tokyo
3rd Day – Hakone, Kanagawa (Fuji)
4th/5th Day – Kyoto
6th Day – Nara
7th/8th Day – Osaka and Rabbit Island
9th/10th Day – Tokyo
Overall
The country of warm toilet seats! A very good thing in winter…
We packed a lot into this trip. I spent around $3,000 for flight, food, and hotel. We flew American Airlines through Japan Air, which Japan Air is soooo nice! The seats were great and the food was legit. Our flight back, on American Airlines, was pretty lackluster to say the least. I usually avoid them, but they were the cheapest at the time.
The train system is incredibly sufficient and fast (of course). I really wish the U.S. had more passenger trains. Another trip where people barely spoke English, so keep that in mind, although, the people are so nice and willing to help. Japan is incredibly clean too. They send out masses of people to clean the city, what seemed like every night.
We landed at Narita Airport. Customs was easy and laid-back.
TIPS!
- We bought the JR pass for a week that worked best for us. You can go to the site to find the one that best fits your time and budget.
- Shop at any Dollar (100 Yen) store! They sell some great things, especially for souvenirs and gifts. Daiso is the largest of the 100 Yen stores but they are easy to spot anywhere.
- We used a pocket WIFI, which was the best decision. Highly recommend. There is some public WIFI spots but most of the time it was pretty spotty.
1st & 2nd – Tokyo
Sights: Chiyoda City/Imperial Palace, Imperial Gardens, Mori Tower, Tokyo Tower
Hotel – New Sanno Hotel
We stopped for food at an amazing Hawaiian themed restaurant called, Aloha Table. We headed to Chiyoda City first, or the Imperial Palace. We hadn’t scheduled a time to go into the palace so we weren’t able to go in; something to keep in mind if you want to go inside. We were able to walk through the beautiful gardens, where a full band was set up and played. It was so incredible. Before night fell, we grabbed a taxi to Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, where you take an elevator ride to see incredible panoramic views of the city. This complex houses numerous restaurants, a theater, an art museum, and retail shops. Our next stop was Tokyo Tower. At nighttime, the tower was lit up with neon orange lights. You can buy tickets in advance, but not required.
3rd Day – Hakone, Kanagawa (Fuji)
Sights: Mt. Fuji, hot springs
We stayed at the Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel. This was kind of a rest day for us. Side note – my friend and I have a good many tattoos so the hotel wouldn’t allow us into the hot springs. We were pretty bummed! We took a walk through the city and up to a scenic point with paper lanterns lighting the path. Mt. Fuji was covered in clouds and it rained a good bit that day, so unfortunately we couldn’t even see the mountain! Now I have to go back.
4th & 5th Day – Kyoto
Sights: Fushimi Inari Taisha (Torii-Gates), Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), Sento Palace, Higashiyama (historic district), and Gion (Geisha district)
If you want to see the Torii-Gates when there isn’t a massive crowd, then go super early or late. Also if you want to go to the very end. Most people go halfway then turn around, so it does thin out the farther you go, but the trail is long so be ready to walk and mostly uphill.
The Golden Pavilion is incredible! It is a must see. The Silver Pavilion was never finished so it actually isn’t covered in silver but the gardens are beautiful.
Sento Palace was once the imperial palace. You have to reserve a spot several months ahead but the details and gardens are beautiful.
Gion the Geisha district is amazing! You can’t take pictures of any of the Geisha you see but that part of the city is behind big wooden doors, lined with cobbled streets and lanterns.
Kyoto also had some of the most beautiful cemeteries I’ve ever seen. If you like that sort of thing!
I had some of the best pizza in Kyoto. Japan is such a melting pot of so many cultures. The food is so wonderful. As a picky eater, it was great for me to be able to choose something to eat!
6th Day – Nara
Sights: Nara Park (Deer Park), Todaiji Temple, Horyuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji Temple
Japan’s first permanent capitol, and is home to some of Japan’s oldest temples.
Nara is small, but is quaint and I loved the park. The deer are NOT afraid of people. If they want that cracker, they will get it! So, just be aware. Also, be sure to watch where you step because of deer poo! You have been warned.
The temples in Nara are massive structures and truly breathtaking. We sat for awhile in the park and on the steps of Horyuji. They also had some delectable ice cream and mochi!
7th & 8th Day – Osaka and Rabbit Island
Sights: Minami, Osaka Palace, Shinsekai, Shitennoji Temple, Rabbit Island (day trip)
Osaka the city of shopping!! Also many bridges. This is the city that loves to party. I loved the scenery with the high rise buildings and the canals running through, plus all the dollar stores! Osaka is the second largest city after Tokyo, and it is easy to see. In the city center, there are lots of buildings, people, and lights.
The aquarium is supposed to be one of the best in the world; I wish we had been able to go.
Rabbit Island – Traveling to Okunoshima has been a dream of mine since I read about it in middle school. I love bunnies, so I of course I HAD to go. I wish we had stopped at the grocery store and bought some more treats, but they sell treat bags at the boat ramp. The treat bags did not last long at all, so wish we had bought more. I think the bags cost around $1 each.
The island is filled with bunnies! The history of the island is sad, but it makes me so happy that it is now a protected park and the bunnies can live their best lives. I definitely recommend going, but that’s me!
9th & 10th days – Tokyo
Sights: Takeshita Street, High Five Tattoo, Shinjuku District, Shibuya District (famous site), Hachiko monument, Ginza, Meiji Jingu (Shinto Shrine)
We spent the last two days walking through a lot of the shopping districts and shrines. I also had wanted a memento tattoo and stopped at High Five Tattoo. The artist was super nice and did a great job. The lines are so sharp!
Our last day was an “easy” day. We traveled around on the local train, hopping on and off at random places that peaked our interest.
Final Tips!
Wear great walking shoes! Make sure to remove your shoes, whenever you enter a residence.
7-Eleven’s have great snacks and easy to use ATMs.
The mattresses are somewhat flat, so if you’re used to American fluffy mattresses, you will be very disappointed.
The people are super nice and polite! They will genuinely try to help you, even if they don’t speak English that well.
Leave A Comment