A 2-week Japan Itinerary: Osaka to Tokyo

Trying to get absolutely immersed in Japan? Then you’ve gotten discovered the correct information, one which takes you on a two-week itinerary in Japan from Osaka to Tokyo. Stopping in cities, provinces and Islands to present you a mixture of cultural actions and experiences alongside the best way. From historic tradition to probably the most scrumptious meals (IMO), this Japan itinerary information has all one of the best bits and all the things you could get planning your two-week journey.

Japan is an unlimited, intrinsically various nation, from futuristic cities to rural cities, from historic tradition to tropical isles. Formed by 4 predominant islands – Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku and 12 main cities.

Japan’s distinctive tradition dates again 14,000 years, with temples and shrines dotted alongside streets, tucked away in alleyways, and in metropolis parks. This nation is a singular place full of deep cultural respect for custom, a world-renowned food-culture hub, and one that may depart you spellbound.

This nation will depart a mark on you in methods which might be onerous to explain. The sights and sounds of metropolis life, to the odor of cedar wooden lofting by means of the air within the streets of Kyoto. Both approach, from historic tradition to scrumptious meals, this Japan itinerary information has all one of the best bits and all the things you could get planning your two-week journey.

Day 1-3: The itinerary begins in Osaka

Why begin in Osaka? You don’t have to start out in Osaka, however from expertise, I’ve discovered it to be an ideal first metropolis to introduce you to Japan with out the chaos of taking over cities like Tokyo straight away. It’s a slower tempo, and the locals are heat and welcoming to vacationers. It’s the proper beginning steadiness of metropolis and calm, with nice climate a lot of the 12 months.

Logistically talking, it makes for the proper hub earlier than heading in the direction of Tokyo with different stops alongside the best way. With plentiful lodging choices akin to Drop Inn Osaka Hostel, and all kinds of conventional and western-style lodging. There actually isn’t any scarcity; relying upon your personal private wants, you could find one thing to go well with each style and price range in Japan with ease. 

Exploring among the best nightlife districts

Osaka, finest generally known as the nation’s kitchen, is the proper place to start out the journey, particularly in case you are led by the abdomen in your travels. Osaka is regionally celebrated for its avenue meals, and Dotonbori is full of gastronomic delights akin to Takoyaki (octopus balls), Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake), Kushikatsu (meat skewers), and Taiyaki (heat, waffle-shaped fish, normally full of custard or crimson bean paste). There are lots of of avenue distributors, high-end eating places, and extra budget-friendly meals choices. In the event you select to remain within the Umeda space, you’ll have straightforward transport hyperlinks to Dotonbori, with most trains taking roughly 25 minutes. 

River Cruise Dotonbori River

In case you are searching for a enjoyable exercise after you feast by means of the streets, then leap onto a river cruise on the Dotonbori River. It’s a 20-minute cruise alongside the river with a information and commentary. You gained’t miss the little yellow boats going up and down the river from morning to nighttime. 

There are just a few ferry choices to select from, together with the Naniwa Exploration Cruise, which departs from Common Cityport at 9:45 am and gives round the clock journeys. Tugboat Taisho that departs from Riverside Station, search for the waterway Osaka signal and Tombori River Cruise that departs additional up on the north financial institution reverse the large Ferris Wheel.

I extremely advocate going at evening, when the neon lights replicate over the water. It’s a good way to expertise Osaka’s power and nightlife with out getting caught up within the crowds. It’s a magical expertise, supplying you with a wholly completely different perspective on town and the size of Dotonbori’s lantern-lined streets. Made higher when you snack on a few of the avenue meals you’ll unquestionably decide up earlier than you leap on board. The journey prices round £10.00 (2000 yen) for adults. 

Umeda Viewing Deck

In case you are searching for one other nice journey that provides you a way of scale throughout town, whereas marvelling on the fascinating trendy structure, then head to The Umeda Viewing Deck. This stunning reflective constructing stands virtually alone and catches the altering colors of town, making it mix into the panorama. 

Situated within the Umeda district, the constructing is tough to overlook, with two towers linked by a bridge walkway. The center escalator and the 2 that minimize throughout the centre. The East and West Towers are dwelling to the Kuchu Tower, which sits on the thirty ninth and fortieth flooring and incorporates a 360-degree open-air rooftop viewing deck. The viewing deck spans two ranges of the round centre, with views throughout town, and is open from 9:30 am to 10:30 pm, the place you possibly can watch town around the clock. Naturally, coming again later within the day is magic, particularly in case you catch an Osaka sundown. 

Normal admission is £10.00 (2,000 yen), and entry from the Umeda Station is a few 15-minute prepare journey. The constructing itself is tough to overlook and solely a brief stroll from the station. 

Osaka Fortress

In search of your first slice of historical past? An awesome place to cease off to be taught extra about Japanese tradition and historical past is Osaka Fortress. The fort sits inside its personal backyard that comes alive throughout cherry blossom season. The attractive inexperienced and gold peaks of the fort really feel ethereal, set in opposition to the blue sky of Osaka. The fort dates again to the 1600’s and was an integral a part of the rise and fall of the shogun period. A time when town would have been drastically completely different to the trendy Osaka we see as we speak. 

The fort is made up of the excessive stone partitions that encompass the Foremost Hold, with moats separating Osaka Park from the remainder of town; the fort virtually sits by itself island. The Statement Deck supplies 360-degree panoramic views throughout Osaka. Flooring 1-3 home the museum, which hosts samurai armour and weaponry, and a richly detailed historical past of the fort and its placement throughout the metropolis. 

The fort will get tremendous busy, particularly throughout peak seasons, akin to cherry blossom season, which is probably the most celebrated competition in Japan. You should purchase your tickets earlier than you arrive, and I extremely advocate you pre-purchase to keep away from the strains in case you are right here within the spring. 

Entrance to the fort is £5.50 (1500 yen), and the Nishinomaru Backyard has a separate entry charge to the fort of £2.00 (350 yen). There are many different backyard choices in case you resolve you don’t need to pay the separate charge for Osaka Fortress gardens.

Getting there from the central station, akin to Umeda, is a few 20-minute prepare journey, with the fort entrance solely being a 7-minute stroll from the station. It’s a pleasant place to start out with, particularly if it’s your first time in Japan and navigating town’s internet of prepare strains.  

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

The Osaka Tenmanu Shrine is the proper place to go to on your first shrine in Japan, broadly thought-about one of the vital shrines within the nation, relationship again to the tenth Century. There’s something about this shrine that provides an awesome sense of calm; possibly it’s the proximity to town that makes it really feel as if you’re in your personal little bubble. As a substitute of crimson Torii Gates, you’ll cross underneath an exquisite stone gate into the stillness of the house. The attractive inexperienced copper roofs and picket beams create a extra humble shrine than a few of the others in Japan. Devoted to the god of studying, this shrine makes an exquisite first on the journey by means of Japan and its completely different temples and shrines. 

Tenjinbashi-suji Buying Avenue

Sitting subsequent to the shrine is the Tenjinbashi-suji Buying Avenue, thought-about one of many longest in Japan, spanning 2.5km and boasting cafes, eating places, and retailers. This place is superb for searching for all these stunning items and snacks. Come day or evening, this place is ideal for on-foot exploring, however it will likely be busy, so keep in mind to plan your time correctly. It takes about 45 minutes to stroll finish to finish with out stopping or crowds, so maintain that in thoughts once you set off. The shops in Japan are inclined to open slowly, so getting there after 10 am is an efficient time to leisurely transfer by means of the streets at the beginning picks up within the late afternoon. 

You’ll doubtless discover one thing stunning and chaotic in regards to the buying streets in Japan, with lights, sounds, ads and color. There’s a lot taking place, however indirectly, it provides to the magic of exploring these little shops and cafes. It makes a drastic distinction from the shrine, however don’t let that put you off exploring regardless. Like all good buying space, it can doubtless take a couple of go to to completely expertise and see all of the shops you need to go to. 

Getting there’s straightforward from Drop Inn Osaka, with a 20-minute prepare journey on the Osaka Loop Line. The shrine is just a few hundred meters from the tip of the Tenjinbashi-suji Buying Avenue, so it makes for the proper day exercise, as you’ll doubtless need to spend a very good few hours within the space. 

Forsaking Osaka, it’s time to leap on board your first bullet prepare journey (Shinkansen) 

Day 4+5: Hiroshima

After getting soaked in all of the wonders of Osaka, you’ll be extra settled into Japan and well-fed earlier than heading on to the subsequent cease on the journey. Heading to the Shin-Osaka Station, you’ll need to move to Hiroshima Station through the Sanyo Shinkansen Line.

The journey will roughly price you £47.00 (9,890 yen) and take 1 hour and 25 minutes, taking you on a journey by means of the Japanese countryside. By inexperienced hillside cities that really feel worlds away from the neon cities. 

Upon arrival in Hiroshima or earlier than you begin the journey, I extremely advocate grabbing a espresso from Obscura Espresso Roaster. A fantastic trendy, clear and crisp cafe for all of your beverage wants. In the event you take pleasure in a pour-over or just a milk-based espresso, then I extremely advocate stopping right here earlier than you set out and discover town. I beloved the environment right here; it was actually offering these important calming, lo-fi cafe vibes. It was onerous to tear myself away to get out and see extra of Hiroshima. 

Peace Park

Upon arrival in Hiroshima, you may discover a really completely different sort of environment than in different cities. Whereas it’s nonetheless a big metropolis with its personal tempo, there’s an eeriness about it; its darkish historical past nonetheless lingers within the air. In some components, it’s virtually palatable. 

Hiroshima was topic to the atomic bomb that ended the Second World Warfare, obliterating town and decreasing it to rubble. The blast destroyed 1800 toes of town and rendered it ineffective as a navy base throughout the struggle. As we speak, town has remained an advocate in opposition to the usage of nuclear weapons and created Peace Park as a memorial to those that misplaced their lives within the assault.

The attractive inexperienced house, with a memorial sculpture at one finish, frames the smash of the outdated Promotion Corridor, often known as Genbaku Dome. The park is now a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and is dwelling to the memorial museum. The museum covers the occasions of the blast with some confronting photos and objects that present the destruction prompted. It’s a harrowing a part of Japanese historical past, nevertheless it opens the door to a greater understanding of town itself. Entry to the peace park is free, and the museum is £1.00 (200 yen) 

Shukkeien

One other stunning cease, if the Peace Park is just a little heavy, however you continue to need to go to a memorial website to pay respects to those that handed, then the Shukkeien Backyard is one other stunning spot. Situated on the Kyobashi River bend, the gardens are tucked away behind the Hiroshima Prefectural Artwork Museum. The backyard has a wealthy historical past as a part of town’s panorama because the 1600’s, full with a tea home, viewing platforms and historic bushes. After the solar units, the gardens tackle a magical type with lights illuminating the bushes. I visited throughout peak cherry blossom season, with the cherry blossom bushes in full bloom. It felt like one thing from a Japanese fairy story. 

The gardens are open from 9 am – 6 pm, admission is £1.60 (350 yen). You’ll be able to stroll 27 minutes to the gardens from the Peace Park or quarter-hour from Hiroshima Station. 

Be aware: The gardens are closed December 29-31.

Day journey to Miyajima Island

Japan is dwelling to a number of thousand islands, with 300 of them supporting small communities and that includes stunning island shrines, cafes, eating places, and a singular coastal Japanese lifestyle. 

In the event you’re searching for an immersive day journey from Hiroshima and need to do some island exploring, then take the ferry over to Miyajima Island, actually which means Shrine Island. Upon arrival, you’ll be graced with views of the Floating Torii Gate that makes up a part of the Itsukushima Shrine. The massive, vivid orange Torii Gate stands within the water and seems to drift, an ethereal sight irrespective of the climate. The gate is one other UNESCO World Heritage Web site and serves as a visible threshold between the spirit world and the human world. 

The shire itself is an unbelievable place to go to; it appears to hover over the water at excessive tide, the picket construction wraps across the coast with mountains as its backdrop, and even visiting throughout the rain was an atmospheric expertise. Entry charge for the shrine is about £1.50 (300 yen) in case you don’t embrace the Treasure Room and £2.50 (500 yen) in case you do resolve to go take a look. 

Miyajima Island itself is dwelling to some very curious deer, strolling trails and the Island’s Tallest Mountain – Mount Misen and a museum of historical past, together with further shrines. There was one thing in regards to the island, even within the rain, that felt otherworldly. As in case you had stepped into an anime drawing, with shrines towering on the finish of the streets, jinrikisha (human-drawn carts or Ricksaws) and little cafes and facet streets that really feel virtually fictional. There’s greater than sufficient to see and do, particularly on a very good day, to maintain you entertained. 

The journey to Miyajima Island takes slightly below an hour from Hiroshima, and you’ll both take the prepare and a ship or take a direct boat straight to the Island. 

To get to the ferry port by prepare and boat, take the prepare to the ferry port; it’s about 25 minutes and prices about £2.00 (450 yen) for a one-way journey. As soon as on the port, there are two ferries, each of which take about 10 minutes to cross and price roughly £1.00 (200 yen) a technique. 

Alternatively, you possibly can take a direct boat from Peace Park, the journey takes about 45 minutes and can set you again about £11.00 (2,200 yen) 

Day 6-8: Kyoto

Taking the bullet prepare out of Hiroshima, head to one in every of my favorite locations in Japan. Kyoto! Roughly £50.00 (11,300 yen) and about 2 hours, taking you again by means of Osaka earlier than heading onto Kyoto.

A spot the place Japanese historical past stands nonetheless, preserved in a approach that merely needs to be seen and felt to completely perceive. Like most of Japan, it’s a story of two halves. With the historic district and the trendy downtown city sprawl. 

Retail Remedy and Royalty

First issues first, I’d advocate taking a stroll by means of the Historic Leisure District of Gion. It’s a spot the place Japanese tradition actually shines by means of. Suppose folks in conventional costume, geisha, conventional riverside eating, busking and an environment that’s onerous to explain with out being there. The streets are a woven maze of crimson lanterns, temples, sirens and waterways with mountain backdrops. If there’s anyplace that may make you’re feeling such as you stepped out into an Anime film, then Kyoto may simply be it. The picket facades, seeped with sap, gave the streets a cedar perfume.

Every thing right here is made to look and feel genuine, even the Starbucks blends in seamlessly, full with Tatami Mat eating. Kyoto is a spot that must be felt to be absolutely skilled, and strolling its streets, even within the rain, is an journey in itself.

If anime is your factor, I extremely advocate a go to to the Official Studio Ghibli Retailer. Like all the things in Japan, it’s an immersive expertise, full with in-store forests making you’re feeling as if you possibly can be in one other world. After all, in case you’re a fan, it will likely be onerous to withstand the little pushies.

There’s loads of different retailers to get caught into in case you’re not trying to take dwelling a Totoro. With all kinds of distinctive bespoke eating, memento shops and residential put on. In case you are trying to seize some souvenirs or simply take a look in any respect the gorgeous issues on provide in Kyoto, then head to Downtown Kyoto to The Shinkyogoku Buying Avenue, with a number of distributors and meals stalls to maintain you entertained. 

Nijō Fortress

After buying until you drop, it’s time to spend a day exploring the historic Nijo Fortress, with its ornate gold leaf-carved entrance.  The Nijo Fortress was the house of the primary shogun and was inbuilt 1603. It was finally donated to town after the late 1800’s, and is now one other incredible UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Very like Osaka Fortress, the Nijo Fortress has strains of defence and a moat that surrounds it. The principle gate is an elaborate mixture of carving and gold leaf and is taken into account one of many best-kept surviving castles in Japan, full with painted clearings. Strolling by means of the completely different defence sectors, you get an actual sense of what life behind the partitions would have been like and the facility the shoguns had. 

Surrounded by gardens, inexperienced areas, and seasonal cherry bushes, it’s an exquisite place to soak up the world’s wealthy cultural historical past. Entrance charges are about £3.50 (750 yen). 

Day Journey to Arashiyama

In the event you’re trying to discover just a little additional afield from the internal sector of Kyoto and one of the aesthetic espresso places hidden in just a little lesser-known space of Kyoto, then I extremely advocate heading out to Arashiyama. A 30-minute prepare journey from Kyoto to the Katsura River District. The beautiful, misty, mountainous area comes alive throughout cherry blossom season with the bushes portray the hillside in little pops of pink and inexperienced.

My favorite spot for espresso of the complete journey needs to be % ARABICA in Arashiyama, the tiny little retailer overlooking the river, with such a clear aesthetic. This place will get tremendous busy, so I like to recommend getting right here as early as you possibly can to keep away from the crowds. 

Naturally, the world has an entire host of unbelievable issues to see and do, from temples and gardens to galleries and museums. Nonetheless, in case you are trying to expertise just a little extra of the distinctive pure landscapes that Kyoto hides, then look no additional than a stroll by means of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forests. The towering inexperienced shoots appear to create a tunnelled maze by means of the gardens. The proper place to soak up the serenity and stillness of the world after the busy streets of Kyoto.

Entrance to the park is Free and is full of little gems and various tracks. The principle path is barely about 10 minutes, however you possibly can lengthen your time right here by exploring additional, must you want. In the event you’re trying to expertise the waterways by boat, you possibly can leap on board one of many blue self-rowing boats. There are two little docks on all sides of the river approach in case you’re searching for a cute method to expertise the magic of the a part of the world, roughly about £9.00 (1800 yen).

Torii Gates

Presumably one of the photographed websites in Japan, or no less than probably the most recognisable, is the Thousand Torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Situated a brief 8-minute prepare journey from Kyoto Station. Arriving, you might be met with a large Crimson Torii Gate that leads as much as the crimson shrine that sits proudly.

The grounds of the shrine alone are stunning to discover earlier than you head on up in the direction of the stroll by means of the maze of gates. The gates are packed collectively so tightly that you simply really feel as if you might be inside one huge tunnel, the place even daylight softens. The gates finally result in the highest of the mountain with views throughout Kyoto on a transparent day. Your entire hike takes round 3 hours, nevertheless it’s non-compulsory for individuals who need to. 

The gates are symbolic of honouring the God of Rice – Shinto, and their predominant objective has been for worship and the various fox statues that line and guard the gates are seen as messengers to the deity Inari, the identical identify given to the mountain that the gates ascend.  

I extremely advocate getting right here as early as you possibly can, as it can get crowded and getting these footage with out the crowds will likely be tough.

Temple Time 

In the event you’re not templed out but, then there are some stunning shrines and temples to go to and acquire these Siduals. Probably the most notable and apparent of all is Yasaka Pagoda, which is a part of Hōkan-ji Temple. Framed by the Streets of Gion. The tower appears to be a continuing characteristic of the skyline in Gion, and also you gained’t be capable of miss it. In the event you’ve seen any photos of Kyoto, you’ve doubtless seen the five-tiered pagoda, standing 46 meters tall. Admission into the temple is about £2.00 (400 yen). It has an exquisite backyard and views from inside, throughout Kyoto. 

Midas Contact

After spending a while on the riverside, you possibly can lengthen the day and head over to the well-known Kinkaku-ji – Golden Temple. You’ll be able to take two buses, which is able to take you about 45 minutes, a reasonably simple journey. As soon as there, admission to the Fortress is round £2.50 (500 yen). 

The Temple is a formidable sight, sitting in a superbly maintained backyard; it’s onerous to overlook the reflective golden partitions set in opposition to the inexperienced. The temple has a fancy historical past and has survived a number of fires in its lifetime. Lined with gold leaf from the second story to the highest, this place seems to be as if it have been touched by Midas himself, creating a surprising reflection on the pond it sits atop.

Naturally, the Golden Temple sits inside a surprising backyard and is effectively value exploring, together with the tea home outdoors the gardens. When you can’t go contained in the Golden Temple, you possibly can discover a few of the zen gardens, a part of what would have been the residing quarters of the previous head priest. 

Day 9-10: Hakone

Leaving Kyoto may really feel unimaginable, with limitless exploration available right here, however the shy mountain calls. The bullet prepare from Kyoto to Hakone takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, taking you deep into the inexperienced areas Japan has to supply. Hakone and the Gora Valley should be among the many most zen locations I’ve visited in Japan, surrounded by nature, operating streams, and the foothills of Mount Fuji. Sandwiched between the coast and the mountains, Hakone makes for the proper cease earlier than you tackle the ultimate cease. Tokyo. 

Selecting to remain in Gora, positioned 20 minutes away from Hakone Station and 45 minutes from Lake Ashi, for its proximity to nature and the journey of discovering the shy mountain. Lodging within the area is usually multi-complex motels, with a mixture of Western and conventional Japanese-style locations. I stayed at Resort Pax Yoshino, an exquisite trendy riverside complicated. Resort Pax Yoshino gives western, Japanese, and deluxe rooms, some with personal onsen baths, in clean-cut, smooth areas with a contemporary tackle ryokan-style aesthetics. With a smooth trendy shared Onsen for these in commonplace rooms. 

One of many highlights that Resort Pax gives is a standard ten-course menu consisting of Hors D’oeuvres, Soup, Sliced Uncooked Fish, Simmered Cabbage and Meatballs, Grilled Fish, Meat, Boiled Rice, Miso Soup, Pickles, and a Milk Pudding Dessert. The expertise is held within the eating corridor, and all friends should put on conventional costume supplied by the lodge. The Yukata and slippers are within the room’s wardrobes and should be worn to attend the dinner.

A beneficiant buffet breakfast can be supplied for friends and is served within the buffet corridor. Yukata isn’t obligatory right here, however in case you want to put on conventional costume to breakfast, you might be welcome to. 

The journey begins to hunt out Mount Fuji, infamous for being onerous to catch a glimpse of and is as a rule shrouded by clouds. In the event you do get the possibility to see the mountain, it’s fairly the sight. Set in opposition to the lake and dwarfing the Crimson Torii Gate that sits on the sting of Lake Ashi. 

The Hakone Ropeway

Beginning the journey in Gora and heading to the prepare station, the place additionally, you will discover the Hakone Ropeway, the cable automobile traverses the city earlier than rising excessive above the hills and the traditional volcanic vent space. I extremely advocate getting off on the gondola cease right here and taking a look on the volcanic vents.

The Owakudandi Station is dwelling to an remark platform, a memento retailer with a restaurant the place you should purchase Kuro-tamago or Black Eggs. The eggs are a singular native delicacy and get their black color after being boiled within the pure sulfur swimming pools. The shells flip a jet black color after reacting with the varied minerals discovered within the swimming pools. I used to be anticipating them to have a really robust sulfur style, however they have been identical to a standard boiled egg; consuming one is claimed to increase your life.

The automobile park on the prime supplied us with a few of the finest views of Mount Fuji, getting tremendous fortunate with the climate. It’s not unusual for it to be hidden by thick clouds, and it’s solely actually seen for 80 days out of 365. So go with out expectations. 

The gondola takes you all the best way to Lake Ashi for the subsequent a part of the journey to Fuji begins. Upon arrival on the Lake, you could be graced along with your first views of Mount Fuji and the Hakone Shrine illuminating the shoreline in its crimson glory. Right here you possibly can discover throughout the lake, with a number of shrines, Hakone-en Aquarium and a number of golf programs in case you’re searching for a scenic inexperienced. 

From right here, the subsequent a part of the journey means it’s time to board the Hakone Pirate Ship and set sail throughout Lake Ashi. There are three stops throughout the lake: Hakone City Port, Motohakone Port and Togendia Port.

Costs will differ relying on the journey you select and whether or not it’s one-way or a return to the place to begin. There are three ships, however all are equally elaborate and superbly embellished in and out. The cruise lasts about 25 minutes and provides you views of the lake and, in fact, the beautiful Mount Fuji when visibility is sweet. 

I extremely advocate taking a while out in Hakone earlier than heading to Tokyo, with the proximity to Mount Fuji, there are many Onsen Sizzling springs to discover and loads of sightseeing and actions to unwind from the tempo of touring.  

Day 11-14: Tokyo

The ultimate cease on this Japanese journey is Tokyo, saving one in every of Japan’s most iconic cities for the farewell. Taking the bullet prepare from Hakone to Tokyo is about 2 hours, forsaking the county hills for the economic internet that’s Tokyo. 

Tokyo is an unlimited, quick, and densely packed metropolis that may depart you feeling such as you solely scratched the floor of all it has to supply. You could possibly simply spend 2 full weeks in Tokyo alone.

Very like Osaka, there are completely different districts. Staying within the Minato District, subsequent door to Ginza and tremendous near the well-known Shibuya. It’s a very good central location with entry to lots of the finest issues to see, do, and eat in Tokyo.

I selected one other Capsule Type Resort, and I opted for a ladies-only hostel. Centurion Cabin and Spa was an ideal place to base myself, with cosy pod bunks. With a sauna house, an onsen and a small kitchenette, however for probably the most half, there’s a lot on provide in Tokyo that you simply may discover you hardly use the house. 

Heading out on foot is by far among the best methods to discover Tokyo, with so many facet streets and again alleys, predominant buying strips and meals spots inside strolling distance. Nonetheless, in case you’re trying to get these last-minute cherry blossom photographs, I extremely advocate taking the prepare to Nagatachō Station and strolling alongside the Meguro River. The realm is embellished throughout cherry blossom season with pink lanterns and arched cherry bushes that create literal tunnels of blossom. Whereas it’d appear to be simply one other city waterway, it was dwelling to a few of the most spectacular cherry blossoms I noticed in Japan and was aptly named the Cherry Blossom Pomade. 

I spent a very good few hours strolling alongside the various bridges right here and stumbled upon Swap Espresso, a cute little cafe location. For many who are tremendous into their pour-overs, this place is well worth the spot for speciality espresso. 

Final-minute items

In the event you’re searching for some last-minute souvenirs or just a bit go searching one of many buying streets, then head to Nakamise Buying Avenue for all types of items, pottery, snacks and homeware items. Stretching 200 meters, it is among the longest-standing buying strips. I like to recommend going early, because it will get fairly busy throughout peak occasions, particularly in peak season. The strip is definitely recognized by the big crimson gate and large lantern of the Kaminarimon Gate, which sits in the course of the doorway.

There’s a lot right here to take a look at that I like to recommend you carve out a very good chunk of time. Your entire space is a surprising stroll round with bike paths and good little places for photographs. The very finish of the buying avenue is dwelling to one in every of Tokyo’s oldest temples. 

Sensō-ji Buddhist Temple

The enduring crimson pagoda and corridor stand proud on the finish of the Nalamsie Buying Avenue. The temple is understood for its reduction of struggling and answering prayers. The Senso-ji Temple and surrounding grounds are huge, with A Foremost Corridor, a second corridor named Yogodo Corridor, (the place you possibly can acquire stamps), Awashimado Corridor, 5 Story Pagoda, Gardens, 3 completely different gates: Niten-mon Gate, Hozo-mon Gate, Kaminari-mon Gate, The Buying Avenue and Bentendo Corridor.

The temple additionally hosts occasions all year long, and it’s value checking the schedule to see what is going on so you possibly can higher plan your go to and even attend a few of the festivals. 

Getting there from the Hostel is easy: a brief 15-minute prepare journey through the Ginza Line from the lodging, with Asakusa Station a 400m stroll away from the temple. 

The Shibuya Scramble

The well-known Shibuya Crossing is by far one of the chaotically organised locations you’ll doubtless go to in Tokyo or possibly all of Japan. The buying space is a hub of exercise in Tokyo, the place you could find probably the most quirky and attention-grabbing issues to do.

A piece of highway divided by 5 crosswalks that concurrently flip inexperienced, making a sea of individuals, but someway nobody ever walks into each other. It’s wildly overwhelming to be part of when you see how many individuals are ready on the alternative facet, however like all organised chaos, it occurs with little drama. With as much as 2,000 folks ready to cross each jiffy, it appears like going into battle.

The cyberpunk metropolis comes alive in any respect hours of the day, and I extremely advocate getting there within the late afternoon throughout the work rush hour to see the crossing in full swing. I additionally grabbed a seat after darkish to look at the crossing at evening with a espresso from the Starbucks throughout the road.  

Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing

The final free exercise, which is effectively value doing, is to get a way of the size of Tokyo. Head to the Metropolitan Authorities Constructing, open from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm. The forty fifth ground is dwelling to the remark deck, the place you’ll get panoramic views of Tokyo. I couldn’t consider the density of Tokyo until I obtained up there and the way tightly packed it was, and the way far it unfold out. With views of each Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. In the event you get fortunate, you may even get the chance for a second sighting of Mount Fuji.

This was one in every of my favorite free actions, and I sat and took within the views for some time. It’s onerous to grasp how huge Tokyo is from the bottom, however when you’re up there, you possibly can actually see how huge it’s as a metropolis. 

In the event you’re searching for extra attention-grabbing views, you can even go up at evening. I didn’t have the time, however I can solely think about what it may need appeared prefer to go up there and see town illuminated so far as the attention may see.  

Woah! That’s 2 weeks in Japan full!

Japan is so huge, however as you possibly can see from this 2-week Japan itinerary, you possibly can pack a lot in and see a number of world heritage websites and get a way of what Japan is all about, which is able to little question depart you wanting extra. 

Have you ever been to Japan?

What are one of the best issues to do in Japan? Something you’d add to this Japan bucket checklist?

Francesca Solloway

See extra of Francesca’s journey guides right here.