Plan a Trip to Japan

Apr 9, 2024

Embarking on a journey to Japan is an adventure I've been eagerly anticipating. From the serene temples of Kyoto to the bustling streets of Osaka, and the natural wonders of Hokkaido, I'm excited to explore it all.

Planning this trip through with Edvo, adds a unique level of efficiency and excitement to the process. With Edvo's intuitive features, I can label all of the cities and places I've researched effortlessly, crafting curated two-day itineraries for each captivating city on my agenda.

Random Tips Before You Go to Japan

Before we dive into the details of planning your trip to Japan, here are some random tips to enhance your experience:

  1. Vending Machines in Japan are Epic: Don't miss the opportunity to try Japan's legendary vending machines. Indulge in their aromatic coffee and warm up with a cup of corn soup during the winter months.

  2. Be Bold and Try Everything: Japan's culinary scene is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be explored. Embrace the opportunity to sample sushi, ramen, tempura, and other local delicacies.

  3. Try Plum Wine: Expand your palate by indulging in Japan's exquisite plum wine. Its sweet and tangy flavors make it a delightful addition to any meal or a refreshing drink on a warm evening.

  4. Public Transportation is A+: Japan boasts a highly efficient and reliable public transportation system. From trains to buses, navigating the country's cities and regions is a breeze.

  5. Grab a WiFi-Pack from the Airport: Stay connected throughout your journey by picking up a WiFi-pack from the airport. Enjoy seamless access to maps, translation apps, and communication platforms to enhance your travel experience.

  6. Try Their Bullet Trains: Experience the thrill of high-speed travel by riding Japan's bullet trains, known as Shinkansen. Zoom between cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in a fraction of the time it would take by car.


Now that you're armed with these invaluable tips, let's dive intop planning your trip to Japan, starting with the must-visit cities.

Here is how I organized my plan a trip to Japan Edvo space.



Osaka

For the Osaka research I pinned the article by The Invisible Tourist, showcasing a 3-Day guide to Osaka. On our travels we are only doing 2 days at each location, so that's what I planned for below.

Day 1: Culinary Delights

  • Morning: Explore the bustling Kuromon Ichiba Market. Sample local delicacies like takoyaki (octopus balls) and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).

  • Afternoon: Visit Osaka Castle, a historic landmark dating back to the 16th century. Explore the castle grounds and its museum.

  • Evening: Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Dotonbori. Enjoy dinner at one of the many street food stalls or dine at a traditional okonomiyaki restaurant.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

  • Morning: Visit the Shitenno-ji Temple, one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples. Explore the temple grounds and its surrounding gardens.

  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant district of Shinsekai. Visit Tsutenkaku Tower for panoramic views of Osaka and enjoy street food at Jan-Jan Yokocho.

  • Evening: Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at a local tea house. End the day with dinner at a kaiseki restaurant, featuring seasonal dishes and sake pairings.


Tokyo

For Tokyo, I looked at a few different sources to plan out the trip. The first is Live Japan and its maid cafes blog and then I looked at Tokyo Cheapo, and the MICHELIN Guide for Restaurants.

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Explore the bustling Nakamise Shopping Street for souvenirs and street food.

  • Afternoon: Head to the trendy district of Shibuya and visit the famous Shibuya Crossing. Enjoy lunch at a local sushi restaurant like Daiwa Sushi or Bia.

  • Evening: Experience the neon lights of Shinjuku. Visit the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic views. End the day with dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub) in Golden Gai.

Day 2: Modern Marvels

  • Morning: Explore the futuristic Odaiba district. Visit teamLab Borderless for immersive digital art installations.

  • Afternoon: Discover the historic district of Ueno. Visit Ueno Park and its many museums, including the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Zoo.

  • Evening: Dive into the nightlife of Roppongi. Enjoy dinner at one of the many international restaurants before experiencing Tokyo's club scene.


Hakone

Day 1: Nature's Retreat

  • Morning: Take a scenic hike along the trails of Hakone. Explore the volcanic landscapes of Owakudani Valley and enjoy a black egg boiled in hot springs.

  • Afternoon: Relax in a traditional onsen (hot spring) resort. Unwind with a soak while enjoying views of Mount Fuji.

  • Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki (traditional multi-course) dinner at your ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). End the day with a serene cruise on Lake Ashi.

Day 2: Cultural Excursion

  • Morning: Visit Hakone Shrine, known for its picturesque torii gate in the water. Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum, showcasing contemporary sculptures against the backdrop of nature.

  • Afternoon: Experience a traditional tea ceremony at a local teahouse. Explore the Hakone Checkpoint Museum to learn about the area's history as a feudal checkpoint.

  • Evening: Sample local delicacies at a traditional izakaya. Savor dishes like grilled fish, tempura, and soba noodles.


Kyoto

Day 1: Temples and Tea

  • Morning: Visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and its surrounding gardens. Explore the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

  • Afternoon: Discover the historic Gion district, known for its traditional machiya (wooden townhouses) and geisha culture. Visit tea houses and shops along Hanami-koji Street.

  • Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at a traditional ryokan. End the day with a stroll through the illuminated streets of Higashiyama.

Day 2: UNESCO Sites

  • Morning: Explore the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates. Hike to the summit for panoramic views of Kyoto.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its elaborate architecture and beautiful gardens. Explore the nearby Nishiki Market for local snacks and souvenirs.

  • Evening: Experience a traditional Noh or Kabuki performance at a local theater. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Kyoto-style restaurant, serving dishes like kaiseki and obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking).


Hokkaido

Day 1: Outdoor Adventure

  • Morning: Explore the natural beauty of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Take a boat tour on Lake Toya and enjoy views of Mount Usu.

  • Afternoon: Visit the city of Sapporo and explore its parks, museums, and markets. Don't miss the Sapporo Beer Museum for a taste of local brews.

  • Evening: Enjoy a seafood feast at one of Sapporo's renowned seafood markets. Indulge in fresh sushi, sashimi, and crab dishes.

Day 2: Winter Wonderland

  • Morning: Hit the slopes at one of Hokkaido's ski resorts. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing in the powdery snow.

  • Afternoon: Warm up with a visit to an outdoor hot spring. Relax in the natural mineral waters while surrounded by snowy landscapes.

  • Evening: Experience a traditional Japanese winter festival. Attend a snow lantern festival or watch fireworks light up the night sky.