Japan has always been on our list of destinations we wanted to visit, and finally, in November 2024, we were able to make that dream come true. Our expectations were quite high, and the country did not disappoint. Japan is exactly what people say it is: cutting-edge technology, a culture very different from what we are used to in Europe, and breathtaking landscapes throughout the country.
We spent about 17 days in the country, but we put together a 14-day itinerary because we know that for many, taking that many days off in a row can be challenging. In this itinerary, we combine the best of major cities like Tokyo and Osaka with the serenity of mountainous regions and the historical richness of Kyoto and Nara’s temples.
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Fly to Osaka or Tokyo?
One of the first decisions when planning your trip to Japan is choosing where to start—Osaka or Tokyo. Initially, we planned to fly into Tokyo, the capital, but we ended up choosing Osaka because the prices were much more affordable.
Both cities have major international airports—Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) in Tokyo, and Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka—that receive direct flights from various countries. So, it’s all about comparing prices and deciding what works best for you and your budget.
Regardless of your starting point, transportation in Japan is amazing, and the bullet train allows you to travel across the country quickly and comfortably.
Discover Japan in 14 Days:
Osaka – 3 days
We started our trip to Japan in Osaka, a city that, honestly, we didn’t have high expectations for, but it really surprised us!
We recommend staying for three days, as there’s so much to explore in the city. Don’t miss Osaka Castle, one of the most important historical landmarks, and the Kuromon Ichiba Market, perfect for trying local street food. Another must-visit is Namba Yasaka Jinja, a temple famous for its lion-head statue, as well as the Shinsekai neighborhood.
Our favorite area was definitely Dotonbori. Here, you'll find tons of street food options. Be sure to try takoyaki and okonomiyaki, typical Osaka dishes, as well as the famous cheesecake from Rikuro’s. In Dotonbori, you’ll also find the Glico Man, the city’s iconic postcard.
On another day, dedicate some time to Universal Studios Japan. If you're a theme park fan, this is a must-see! The park has different themed areas, including Super Nintendo World and a section dedicated to the Harry Potter World. We loved the experience and highly recommend it! You can book your ticket here.
If you still have time, you can always visit the Umeda Sky Building, which offers stunning views of the city, or check out the TeamLab Botanical Garden.
Nara – 1 Day
One of the most recommended day trips in Japan is definitely Nara. You can choose to depart from Kyoto or Osaka. We opted for Osaka, as accommodation there is more affordable, and the train ride from either city takes about the same amount of time.
The main attraction in Nara is the deer that roam freely through the streets of the city. The place where they gather the most is Nara Park, which is very close to the train station. In this park, you can interact with the deer and even feed them!
In addition to the deer, you can also visit Tōdai-ji, home to the Great Buddha, a bronze statue that is one of the largest in the world! Other attractions include Kōfuku-ji and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Before heading back, make a stop at Nakatanidou to try the most famous mochis in Japan, located just a five-minute walk from the station.
Kyoto – 3-4 Days
We left Osaka for Kyoto, which is about a 30-minute train ride away.
We started our visit at the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Then we headed to Nishiki Market, where you can try local dishes and buy affordable souvenirs.
Another must-see is Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. In the evening, you can stroll through Pontocho Alley, which has several restaurants offering a traditional atmosphere.
One of the busiest neighborhoods in Kyoto is Gion, known for its historic charm and the presence of geishas. In this area, we visited the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, Hokan-ji Temple, and wandered through the traditional streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, which feature various shops and cafés, including the charming Japanese-style Starbucks.
Another unmissable area is Arashiyama, home to the famous Bamboo Forest and the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, which has hundreds of hand-carved stone statues.
One of the activities we enjoyed most in Kyoto was participating in a Tea Ceremony, where we wore kimonos and learned about this Japanese tradition. The experience also included a Japanese Calligraphy lesson. We did it with Orizuruya Tokyo and loved it!
Fujiyoshida – 2 Days
We continued our journey to Fujiyoshida, in the Mount Fuji region. We chose to stay in Fujiyoshida as the city offers a wide range of accommodations and is close to the main tourist spots in the area. Other options for accommodation could be Hakone or the Kawaguchi Lake region (Kawaguchiko).
In this region, there are must-see attractions like the Chureito Pagoda viewpoint, Oishi Park, and Fuji-Q Highland, an amusement park famous for its thrilling roller coasters. Be sure to explore Honcho Street, a street with local shops and cafés, offering an incredible view of Mount Fuji.
If you have time, consider visiting Oshino Hakkai Village, Lake Yamanaka, and the Shiraito Falls. You can also take a day tour from other cities in Japan.
Tokyo – 4 Days
After exploring Fujiyoshida, we headed to Tokyo, the capital of Japan and the most populous city in the world, with 37 million inhabitants! Tokyo is a massive city with countless things to do. The best advice we can give is to divide your visit by neighborhoods to save time.
We started in Shibuya, one of the most famous districts in Tokyo. Here, you can’t miss the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest in the world, as well as the Hachiko Statue, the loyal dog who waited for his owner for ten years, and Shibuya Sky, one of the best viewpoints in the city. You can also visit shops like MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya and Shibuya Parco, where you'll find the Pokémon Center and Nintendo.
On the second day, explore the areas of Harajuku and Shinjuku. Harajuku is known as Tokyo's most alternative neighborhood. Don’t miss the famous Takeshita Street, the Meiji Jingu Shrine, and Yoyogi Park. In Shinjuku, visit the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in the city, and go up to the Metropolitan Government Building. At night, explore the neighborhoods of Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, and Shinjuku Golden Gai.
On the third day, visit Asakusa, where you'll find the oldest temple in the capital – the Senso-ji Temple. After that, head to Akihabara, the center of geek culture and technology, where you’ll find countless anime, manga, and electronics stores.
On the last day, take the chance to visit the Tsukiji Outer Market, where you can try various traditional foods like Tamagoyaki (a Japanese omelette) and Tako or Ebi Senbei (a type of giant, crunchy, thin cracker). Then, explore the Ginza area and end your day with a visit to teamLab Planets, an interactive museum we highly recommend!
If you have an extra day, you can always add a visit to Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea to your itinerary.
We hope this article helps plan your trip to this amazing country and that you have an experience as positive as ours.
Safe travels!
How to stay connected
If you plan to visit Japan, don't forget that mobile data does not work outside the European Union!
The best solution to stay connected to the Internet is to buy an eSIM or a local SIM. This time we bought an eSIM at Holafly, and it always worked well. Just have a phone compatible with eSIM and buy the card through the Holafly app. It's very easy!
Get Travel Insurance
It is essential to be prepared for any trip you take, especially outside of Europe. Unexpected events happen, and no one wants to come back from vacation with a huge hospital bill to pay. That's where travel insurance comes in, an indispensable ally to ensure tranquility and safety for your holidays.
IATI offers numerous types of travel insurance depending on your type of trip and various coverages. Moreover, by purchasing insurance through our link, you get a special 5% discount.
Don't let unforeseen events ruin your adventure!
Click here to get your discount.
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