Your Optimal 9-Day Travel Schedule for Japan:
Japan is the ideal location for those wishing to see the seamless marriage of traditional customs and contemporary life. It is a land that really symbolizes timelessness.
You’ll discover Zen rock gardens set against a vibrant nightlife, and dazzling, neon-lit streets only a short drive from dancing geishas. Japan, the nation of contrasts, fulfills every traveler’s desire with a variety of experiences and scenery.
This 14-day Japan travel plan has everything you could possibly want to see, from seeing the bustling streets of Tokyo to skiing the snow-capped mountains of Hokkaido to fully immersing yourself in the country’s traditional culture.
Are you prepared to experience love?
However, first, when is the ideal time to visit Japan?
Since Japan is a year-round travel destination, the choice of when to visit is totally up to you. Only the way you pack will be impacted by the season you select.
Prime Time: April through August
Japan’s two best seasons are spring and summer. Enjoy the balmy summer days in August or the cherry blossom season in April. Because of all the events, including the Obon Festival and the Daimonji Fire Festival in Kyoto, August is particularly well-liked.
Winter Travel’s Best Months: January through March
If you enjoy winter, January through March is the ideal season to visit Japan. Take part in a variety of winter sports in the Japanese Alps or take advantage of discounted hotel rates in Tokyo (except Japanese New Year).
Winter Travel’s Best Months: January through March
If you enjoy winter, January through March is the ideal season to visit Japan. Take part in a variety of winter sports in the Japanese Alps or take advantage of discounted hotel rates in Tokyo (except Japanese New Year).
Day 1–4: Tokyo is hopping!
When visiting Japan, Tokyo makes an excellent starting point. The city is, in a word, surreal; its vibrant metropolis hums with perpetual life and limitless potential. It also provides an abundance of attractions for all kinds of tourists.
Arrival: Main Airport
Tokyo’s two primary airports are:
- Airport Narita
- Haneda Airport
If at all feasible, we advise arriving at Haneda Airport because it is closer to the heart of Tokyo. The Narita Express Train is the most convenient means of transportation to the city center if you are arriving by plane at Narita Airport.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
- Luxurious accommodations: The Grand Hyatt Hotel is among the greatest options for an opulent stay. Alternatively, you may spend your stay at the Lost in Translation hotel, the Park Hyatt Tokyo.
- Mid-Range: The closeness to a metro station and handy location make the Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyo an excellent choice. Another mid-range hotel in Tokyo that seems opulent yet is more reasonably priced is the Gate Hotel by Hulic.
- Budget: The Richmond Hotel Asakusa, which is well-known for being able to stroll to the Sensoji Temple, is one of the most well-liked low-cost hotels in Tokyo.
Tokyo Dining Spots
In Tokyo, it’s incredibly difficult to decide where to dine because everything is so delicious. There are the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, amazing vegan eateries, and everything from inexpensive food to gourmet dining.
Among our top selections are:
- Best for reasonably priced sushi is Umegaoka Sushi No Midori.
- Kotaro stands for food prepared in front of you, created by Chef Kotaro Hiyashi.
- For Tokyo’s finest delicious soba, go to Tamawari.
- Ginza Adachi Naoto: for a unique take on classic Japanese cuisine
Day 1: Things to Do in Tokyo
There are several things you may do on your first day in Tokyo. Enter Kaminarimon through the gates, and then spend the first few hours visiting Asakusa’s (Tokyo’s “low city”) Nakamise Shopping Street. Savor the charm of a bygone era as you go to the well-known Sensoji Temple, which was established in 645 A.D.
After that, visit Tokyo Skytree for expansive views that will show you Tokyo’s distinct blend of modernity and heritage.
Later in the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll in Ueno Park. This sanctuary of museums will appeal to those who love museums. It includes:
- National Museum of Tokyo
- Western Art Museum of the Nation
- Metropolitan Art Museum of Tokyo
- The National Museum of Science
Enjoy your first night in Shibuya among the bustling streets. Sign us up, please! The neon lights, the vibrant ambiance full of youthful energy, and the busiest crossing in the world!
Day 2: Things to Do in Tokyo
The good news is that you may experience Japanese culture and daily life up close and personal by having breakfast at Tsukiji Fish Market. The unfavorable report? You’ll need to get up early in order to beat the insanely large lineups.
Once you’ve finished your breakfast of freshly made sushi, stroll down Tokyo’s upscale, tree-lined retail district, Omotesando. You get to decide whether to indulge at the best designer stores or just window shop!
Visit the stunning Tokyo International Forum after that. To see the iconic royal Palace and the surrounding grounds and royal structures, stroll for ten minutes.
Day 3: Things to Do in Tokyo
Visit Harajuku to discover the pinnacle of Japanese culture. Take a stroll through Yoyogi Park and observe the people to see if you can locate any traditional musicians playing or cosplayers dressed in lavish costumes!
Yoyogi Park has the Meiji Shrine next to it. The Meiji Shrine honors the souls of Emperor Meiji and his wife and is tucked away in the middle of a lush woodland. Explore the shrine’s surrounding 100-year-old urban woodland on a leisurely stroll.
The remainder of the day should be spent in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s 23 municipal wards. Enjoy a drink at New York Bar while acting out Bill Murray’s roles in the movie Lost in Translation!
Day 4: Things to Do in Tokyo
Most tourists visiting Japan find that one taste of Shibuya is insufficient. Return to Shibuya to view the well-known Hachiko dog statue honoring the Shiba Inu, which served as the inspiration for a whole film. Next, proceed to the Shibuya Crossing, the biggest pedestrian crossing globally.
To appreciate the richness of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, ride the train back to Shinjuku. You can locate: there.
- A conventional Japanese garden
- An English landscape
- A Garden in France
Day 5: Hakone Day Trip
Hakone, ah. Hakone is the ideal day trip destination from Tokyo because of its stunning blue lakes, hot springs, serene forest walks, traditional ryokans, and the beautiful Mount Fuji background.
Days 6 and 7: Kyoto
One of the best destinations to include on your itinerary for Japan is the old city of Kyoto. This location is the pinnacle of traditional Japan; shrines, temples, wooden structures, and Japanese gardens may all be found there. The fact that Kyoto is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites comes as no surprise.
Day 6: Things to Do in Kyoto
Make sure to visit Tenryu-ji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist destinations, early on your first day there. A peaceful morning stroll would be ideal with the stunning mountainous background of this renowned Zen temple.
Explore the shrine and then take in the enchantment of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. As you take in the breathtaking views from Togetsukyo Bridge, listen to the bamboos gently swing in the air. A rickshaw ride is a must if you want to fully explore the area!
Spend a calm afternoon at the Ryoan-ji Temple. Examine your travel thus far, go around the Zen garden, and cross this UNESCO World Heritage Site off your list!
Next, visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, a magnificent Zen temple with two floors and golden leaf decorations. There are expansive vistas of the serene surroundings from this shrine.
Lastly, to experience a geisha area up close, wander down Hanami-koji street. Discover a variety of Japanese arts at the daily cultural event on Gion Corner (end of Hanami-koji).
Day 7: Things to Do in Kyoto
You will visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple today, one of the most famous temples in Japan. The wooden balcony of this historic temple provides breathtaking views of Kyoto.
Shop for a while in Sannen-zaka and spend some time admiring the surrounding traditional architecture.
Visit the stunning Njio Castle to get a glimpse of what a true samurai castle looks like. Admire its exquisitely designed ceilings, floors, and rooms, as well as its stunning gardens and nightingale floors.
Heian Jingu Shrine, which was constructed to commemorate Kyoto’s 1100th year as Japan’s capital, is the last place you should see in Kyoto.
Days 8 and 9: Kyoto
Prioritizing Osaka in your agenda for Japan is a good idea. The vibrant city still has a unique culture and a lively atmosphere that are unmatched in all of Japan.
Things to Do on Day 8 in Osaka
Spend your first couple hours in Osaka getting to know Dotonbori. This street, which parallels the Dotonbori canal and is a well-liked tourist destination, exudes the authentic charm of Osaka.
Markets, theaters, skyscraper neon-lit buildings, stores, and an abundance of street vendors may all be found there. It’s likely that you’ll walk past the well-known Gilco Man sign, so remember to snap a photo!
You may also shop till you drop at Shinsaibashi-suji or enjoy a river boat across the Tonbori River.
Triangle Park is a terrific place for locals to hang out, drink, and socialize, so if you’re looking for a laid-back evening, this is the place to go. If you’d want a more memorable and exciting evening,