Below, you can find our tailor-made travel plan to Japan. I thoroughly prepared this plan to meet our interests, needs, and expectations. It is arranged so that there is time for intensive sightseeing, rest, relaxation, and entertainment during our journey.
That’s how we imagine spending time in Japan:
Day 1 – The beginning of our journey
Departure from Warsaw—on the way to Tokyo. The estimated travel time (including a transfer in Brussels) will be about 16 hours.
Day 2 – Arrival in Tokyo
Arrive at Tokyo Narita Airport. We must activate our JR Pass vouchers just after arrival. Travel by train, Narita Express, to the city centre (Tokyo station), where our first hotel is located. That day, we plan to rest after a long journey, stay in the hotel, and try to adapt to the different time zone (7h difference vs. home).
Day 3 – Visiting Tokyo
In the morning, we must buy and recharge Suica cards to use public transport without buying individual tickets. That day, we plan to visit the Fish Market (I hope to see big tuna there), Sensoji Temple (the oldest temple in town), and Meiji Temple.
In the afternoon, visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices, which has two observation towers. The observation decks are located 202 meters above sea level, from which (when there is good weather) we can see Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, or even Mount Fuji. There is free entrance!
In the evening, we will go to visit the Shinjuku district.
Interesting links:
- Observation Terrace: Government offices
- Temple: Meiji Jinku and Sensoji Temple
Day 4 – Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano and the highest peak in Japan (3776 m above sea level). In 2013, UNESCO listed it as a cultural heritage site, sacred place, and source of artistic inspiration.
In the morning, we will depart Shinjuku Station by long-distance bus: the Shinjuku Highway Bus (we made a reservation for this bus four weeks in advance). We will then go to Kawaguchiko Lake and spend the whole day there. On the spot, we will take a ropeway to Mt. Tenjo, where we hope to see a beautiful panorama of Mount Fuji. We will return to Tokyo in the evening.
Interesting links:
- UNESCO Site: Mount Fuji
Day 5 – Kamakura and Yokohama
Kamakura was the former capital of Japan from 1192 to 1333, when it was the seat of the Kamakura shogunate. City rights were granted in 1939. Kamakura is best known for its temples. We are going there by train from Tokyo Station. The travel time is about 55 minutes. We will visit the following temples: Kenchoji, Engakuchi, and Hachimangu (the most important Shinto temple). We also want to see the great bronze Buddha statue (over 13 m high), probably dating from 1252.
In the afternoon, we will return to Tokyo through Yokohama. In Yokohama, we will visit Chinatown and walk along the waterfront, which offers panoramic night city views.
Return in the evening to the hotel.
Interesting links:
- Official website of the city: Kamakura
Day 6 – Nikko
The Japanese proverb says, “The one who did not see Nikko does not know what true beauty is.”
There are many monuments and tourist attractions. The most valuable one is the complex of Nikko Tōshō-gū, which was erected as a mausoleum in honour of the first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. For centuries, the shrines and temples of Nikko, together with their natural surroundings, have been a sacred site known for its architectural and decorative masterpieces.
In 1999, they were inscribed on the Unesco Heritage Site.
Travel to Utsunomiya Station (Shinkansen train) and then transfer to the JR Nikko train to Nikko station. We will spend a full day on the spot, and besides temples, we want to see the Kanmangafuchi Abbys (a row of 70 stone statues of Jizo, a Bodhisattva who takes care of the deceased).
We would also like to visit the Futurasan Shrine (dedicated to the deities of Nikko’s three most sacred mountains) and the Shinyo Bridge (one of Japan’s three most beautiful bridges).
In the evening, return to Tokyo.
Interesting links:
- Official website of the city: Nikko
- UNESCO Site: Nikko
Day 7 – Nagano
On this day, we will leave Tokyo and, after breakfast, take the train (Shinkansen) to Nagano. Our journey will take about 80 minutes. After check-in at the hotel, we will walk to the Zenkō-ji Temple in the afternoon. It is the second-largest temple in the country and the most significant wooden building in eastern Japan. It was formed before Buddhism split, so two sects (schools) pray one after the other.
A big Zenkoji Bell rang to announce the opening ceremony for the 1998 Winter Olympics, wishing peace to the world.
Interesting links:
- Temple of Zenkō-ji
- Nagano – official tourism guide
Day 8 – Kanazawa
in the morning – the train (Shinkansen) to Kanazawa, the travel time approx. 66 min. In the city, we want to visit the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden and the remaining Kanazawa Castle (built in 1583), which, until today, survived only in the form of towers and ramparts. Afterward, we would like to visit Oyama Jinja Temple, where we would like to see the interesting architecture of the gate and a small garden.
We will visit a district famous for its Chaya Houses (Tea Houses) in the afternoon. On Saturdays (the day we are there), the city organizes geisha shows, many of which can be found in the area.
In the evening, return to Nagano.
Interesting links:
- Official website of the city: Kanazawa
Day 9 – Matsumoto
On this day, we are going to rest and relax. We will take the train to Matsumoto in the morning, which takes about 90 minutes. We will visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the five initially preserved Japanese castles. This castle is also named the Castle of Ravens due to the black colour of the outer walls. At the train station, renting a bicycle for free is possible, so if the weather is nice, we can visit the surrounding area by bike!
Interesting links:
- Official website of the city: Matsumoto, Nagano
Day 10 – Kyoto
On this day, we will mainly travel from Nagano to Kyoto. We will take the train (Shinkansen) to Tokyo and then change to another train to Kyoto. The trip will take about 4.5 hours. After check-in at the hotel, we will visit the Main Train station building, one of the world’s most outstanding works of modern railway architecture. On the 11th floor, there is an observation deck and a little garden, and on the 10th floor, it is possible to walk through a unique tunnel that hangs over the main hall.
In the afternoon, we will go to Gion, a famous Geisha district, to see a performance in the Gion Corner Theatre. Seven Japanese traditional performing arts can be experienced there, most notably the kyo-mai dance performed by maiko dancers.
Interesting links:
- Official website of the city: Kyoto
- Theatre: Kyoto Gion Corner
Day 11 – Himeji Castle
Travel by train (Shinkansen) to Himeji; the journey is about 1 hour. On the spot, we will visit Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s oldest buildings and the finest surviving example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture. It is a masterpiece of construction made of wood. It has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with the castles, Matsumoto, Inuyama and Hikone all have the National Treasury of Japan status. Himeji Castle is also known as the Castle of the White Heron due to its exterior finish of the white plastered earthen walls.
In the afternoon, we will relax in the Kokoen Garden and stop for a cup of green tea. Himeji also has a bamboo, flower, and pine garden that is worth seeing.
Finally, Mount Shosha and the Engyoji Temple are also worth seeing. They are a few beautiful buildings with over a thousand-year-old history behind them. Due to the stunning scenery, Mount Sosha and Engyoji Temple are frequently used as filming locations for historical movies. A Hollywood movie, The Last Samurai, was partially shot in that place. We must see it.
In the evening, we will return to Kyoto.
Interesting links:
- Official website of the Himeji Castle
- UNESCO Site: Jimeji-jo
Day 12 – Nara
Travel to Nara by train (about 70 min). We will spend the whole day there. Many relics are registered on the World Cultural and Natural Heritage UNESCO list. This city, in the past named Heijō-kyō, was the first capital of Japan and the seat of the imperial court between 710-740 and 745-784. After moving the capital to Heian-kyō, the city became an important monastic centre. At the same time, the city lost its political significance. On the spot, we will visit the majestic Todaji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous and significant temples. We will also visit the Kofukuji Temple.
The last temple to visit that day is Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which is surrounded by a thousand stone votive lanterns with several hundred bronze hanging lanterns inside. The shrine looks impressive, so it’s worth seeing.
We will rest in Nara Park. On our way back to the train station, we will stroll through Isuien Garden, where deer live in the wilderness and are considered messengers of the gods in the Shinto tradition.
Return to Kyoto late in the afternoon.
Interesting links:
- Official website of the city: Visit Nara
- UNESCO Site: Nara
Day 13 – Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari
After breakfast, we will walk to the Toji Temple (located 15 minutes away from our hotel). It has a beautiful garden, old Shrines, and the highest five-storey pagoda in Japan (57 m high) built in 826.
After that, we will take the Kyoto City Bus to Kinkakuji-michi, where we will visit the Golden Pavilion. It is a Zen Temple whose top two floors are covered in golden leaves. It is one of seventeen components (situated in Kyoto, Uji Cities, and Otsu City) recognised as Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, and they all have been inscribed on the UNESCO Site.
We will take a bus just after the Golden Pavilion to visit Ginkakuji Temple, where we can find the Silver Pavilion and a small but beautiful garden.
In the afternoon, we will visit Fushimi Inari, a temple dedicated to the goddess Inari (patron of rice, the essential Japanese grain). Along a 4-kilometre road curving up the hillside and leading to the temple, 30,000 orange torii gates were set up. We will stay there until sunset.
In the evening, return to Kyoto.
Interesting links:
Day 14 – Return to Tokyo
The train ride from Kyoto (Shinkansen) to Tokyo takes about 2.5 hours. Our hotel is located near the Shinagawa Station. After check-in, we will take the train to Akihabara (known for manga, anime and electronics).
We go to Shibuya station in the evening to see the city skyline illuminated by multi-coloured neon signs after dark.
Day 14 – Showa Day
The Japanese celebrate Showa Day (Emperor Showa’s birthday) that day. Most of them will spend it in the bosom of nature, so we plan to rest and relax the same way the Japanese do. We are going to a picnic at Ueno Park. There are three museums: the National Museum of Tokyo, the National Museum of Science, and the National Museum of Western Art. There are also a few temples and the Zoo, famous for its giant pandas.
Interesting links:
Day 16 – Tokyo Bay and Odaiba
This is going to be our last day in Japan.
In the morning, we will have a short walk to visit Sengakuji Temple, which is famous for the graves of the 47 Ronins. There is also a little museum where you can hear the story of the Lord of Aco and his loyal Samurais. They took revenge for their Lord’s death, which was punished, and they were sentenced to commit seppuku.
After a visit to Sengakuji Temple, we will have some fun on the Odaiba, a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay. To get there, we will take the Yurikamome train. We will see the famous Rainbow Bridge (the iconic symbol of the Bay), which connects Odaiba with the rest of Tokyo. There are many shopping centres (maybe we can buy some souvenirs as well), Toyota Mega Web (giant Toyota showroom), Ferris Wheel (115 meters tall ferries wheel is one of the world’s most prominent and offers beautiful views of the Bay), Fuji TV (with observation deck located on the 35th floor), Leisureland (excellent entertainment centre) and many restaurants. We are going to spend the rest of the day there.
Interesting links:
- Odaiba – official website of the district
Day 17 – coming back home
Tokyo Haneda Airport. We will get there by private train, Keikyu Airport Express (410 yen). The journey from the Shinagawa station will take only 20 minutes. The return flight via Frankfurt will take us about 15 hours. At home, we will be on the same day but late at night.
Interesting links:
- How to get to Haneda Airport
- Official website of the Haneda Airport
- Are you wondering whether a visa is necessary for your visit to Japan? Check ivisa.com – e-visa to Japan
- JR Pass tickets – whole of Japan (7, 14, or 21 days)*
- tickets to all popular travel destinations in Japan: bus, train, ferry, aeroplane*
- Japan pocket Wifi and SIM Card rental with Ninja WiFi* (get a 10% discount here)*
- credits: Ninja WiFi
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- Tokyo – Kyoto
- Kyoto – Tokyo
- Shin Osaka – Tokyo
- Tokyo – Shin Osaka
- Tokyo – Mt Fuji Kawaguchiko FujiQ Highland
- Mt Fuji Kawaguchiko FujiQ Highland – Tokyo
- Kyoto – Shin Osaka
- Shibuya – Mt Fuji Kawaguchiko FujiQ Highland
- Shin Osaka – Kyoto
- Kyoto – Kansai Airport Station
- Osaka Umeda – Kyoto Kawaramachi
- Shin Osaka – Hiroshima
- Hiroshima – Shin Osaka
- Mt Fuji Kawaguchiko FujiQ Highland – Shibuya
- Kyoto Kawaramachi – Osaka Umeda
Shinkansen Trains
These high-speed trains are undoubtedly the easiest way to explore Japan, travelling at 320 km/h (199 mph). The network covers the whole country.
Benefits for you:
- The fastest and most convenient way to travel.
- Special pricing for children and free travel for infants.
- Rail passes are available, which will save you money and time travelling across Japan
Booking specifics:
- The booking period is just 3 days.
- Paper tickets. Ticket delivery options: 1. Pick up from the office. 2. Delivery to the hotel in Japan (additional charge).
- No refunds are available.
Japan Rail Pass
The pass is a multi-usage train ticket that allows Japan Rail Pass holders to take multiple train services across the Japanese train system.
There is no more manageable and convenient way to discover the Land of the Rising Sun than by riding on Japan’s brilliantly expansive rail network. For your choice of 7, 14, or 21 days, explore Japan most conveniently and economically with a Japan rail pass that is valid for the majority of railways and local buses operated by JR. Japan Rail Pass holders can choose between an Ordinary pass, or if you’re looking to travel in more comfort, opt for the Green Class pass that offers you first-class comfort with reclining seats, a footrest, space to stretch out your legs, and a travel magazine to keep you occupied during your journeys.
From Shinkansen, Limited Express, local trains, Monorail, and JR buses to the Miyajima Ferry, this Japan rail pass cover is the easiest and fastest way to explore Japan! Get your 7, 14, or 21-day Japan rail pass at Klook and enjoy convenient delivery straight to you!
JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)*
Airport transfers
Bookings are available on the route Narita Airport <> Tokyo*
Booking specifics:
- The booking period is just 3 days.
- Voucher tickets. Has to be changed for the actual ticket at the departure station.
- No refunds are available.
So far, my other posts about Japan:
TRIPS:
- Himeji – White Egret Castle
- Kamakura – the seat of the first Shogun
- Kanazawa – Kenrokuen Garden and Castle
- Kyoto and Kansai region
- Matsumoto – city overshadowed by the Castle
- Mount Fuji – the most popular icon in Japan
- Nagano Prefecture – The Roof of Japan
- Nara -Japan’s first permanent capital
- Nikko – the light of the sun
- Tokyo – Western capital
*Klook, 12Go, Ninja WiFi and iVisa links are affiliates