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Home » Asia » Japan » ULTIMATE Guide to Solo Travel in Japan | Destinations & Tips for 2023

ULTIMATE Guide to Solo Travel in Japan | Destinations & Tips for 2023

Japan is the DREAM for many curious travelers. Manga, anime, sushi, cherry blossoms, Nintendo, Toyota, hot spring pools, Buddhist temples; the thought of these lit a fire in me! But with no one willing to tag along for the ride, I had to start planning a Japan solo travel trip.

There’s nothing like relaxing in hot spring pools, listening to Japanese patrons, eating real Japanese sushi under Tokyo Tower. And believe me, visiting Japan is even better solo .

You can take your time. You’ll get to know the locals and test your language skills. Japan is also extremely friendly and safe.

It’s perfect for lone wolf adventures through her many islands. You can experience it all by taking in the beauty of her rural landscapes or venturing into her busy cities at the forefront of high tech.

With all the excitement of traveling to Japan, I’m here to jump-start this new endeavor as you plan this journey to experience the beauty of Nihon and Nippon for yourself. So, let’s start with how to make the most of your solo traveling in Japan, the best places to stay, where to go, and how to survive in this unique country.

7 Things to Do in Japan When Traveling Solo

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Backpacking Japan is EPIC. Can’t find a buddy to go with? Go alone!

I’m here to show you that traveling solo in Japan is a breeze . However, there are seven things that you should consider when traveling around the country. These can be things to do alone, taking full advantage of your solo experience, or activities you could do with your new travel friends. 

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Hangout in Hostels

One of the best solo travel tips is to stay in one of the amazing hostels in Japan !

You can meet fellow travelers while staying in a great place on a reasonable budget. You can save money and rely only on your bedroom to sleep, with the option to socialize with others in shared lunging areas or use those extra funds to see more of Japan.  Hostels also have various accommodation options, so even a solo female traveler is well cared for.  

Take a Group Tour

Even if you ride solo in Japan, taking a group tour is a great way to break up the experience and keep yourself sane with socializing. Sometimes it’s nice to relax and let a tour guide take you to some unique attractions as you lay back and have a yarn with a fellow traveler. 

I loved the bus tour of Tokyo because I could sit and chat to all my new buddies while escaping the rain.

Stay as a Home Stay With a Japanese Family

If you want to test your Japanese and get a taste of traditional life in Japan, the best way to do this is to organize a homestay with a Japanese family.  Despite it being more common for younger adults and teenagers, there is no age limit for homestays. There are many brilliant companies like Go! Go! Nihon that makes it easy. 

Spend a Relaxing Day at an Onsen Hot Pool

One of Japan’s most famous past times is relaxing in an Onsen Hot pool, and considering this is often a solo experience, it is one of the best ways to relax on holiday. There are many places in Japan that host hot pools. However, the most famous is Kurokawa Onsen, found in Minamioguni.

Have a Quiet Trip to a Traditional Japanese Shrine

Wherever you find yourself in Japan, you are likely to encounter a traditional Japanese shrine, and what better way to learn about the cultural heritage of its people and spend some quiet alone time than a trip to these places! In Tokyo, a popular shrine is Ise Jingu, a beautiful 4 th -century BC shrine dedicated to public happiness. 

Relax With a Traditional Tea Ceremony

Experience the ancient tradition of ‘way of the tea’ as you taste one of Japan’s most sacred ceremonies. This quiet Japan solo travel experience allows you to witness first-hand the ceremony and the delicious taste of tea. Kyoto and Uji have various places for tourists to experience this tea ceremony. 

Attend a Japanese Language Class

If your language skills could do a little more work, attending a Japanese language class is a great solo adventure in Japan. You can meet others trying to learn the craft and practice at your own pace, then test what you’ve learned in your solo ventures around Japan.

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Japan is like nothing else. But why? It’s a place I found where you’ll find something magical, futuristic, and unexpected around every corner.

The people and their culture will make you understand why Japan is a special place to so many people (including ourselves). I have hand-picked five of the best solo destinations in Japan to ensure you still have a brilliant time on holiday without feeling like you are missing out on a complete experience—and to make the most of riding alone.  

Staying in Tokyo is the best option for solo travelers in Japan because, as you may already know, it is the capital city. Here you will find an ultramodern megacity intermixed with traditional Japanese cultural heritage, world-class hospitality, attractions, and public transport. I also love that it’s super visitor-friendly and safe for solo travel. 

I can guarantee it’s a breeze to get around, but that is not all! It is the place to be to see the famous Japanese tech industry, be served by a robot waitress in a mall, or gaze at the headquarters of the big tech and gaming giants.

However, to experience a slice of their older attractions, I recommend the many Buddhist temples, such as Senso-ji. Oh, and you cannot beat the high city views from Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji. 

When staying in Tokyo, one of the best hostels for Japan solo travel I found was the Tokyo Guesthouse Oji music lounge . Not only was this two-star hostel easy on my budget, but it was also perfect for meeting fellow travelers while playing the lone wolf. 

Heading to the former capital of Japan, Kyoto is another brilliant place for solo travelers to experience Japan. I can tell you that its famous Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, palaces, and gardens help the city live up to its UNESCO World Heritage Site, without a doubt! My must-see attractions for visitors include Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kiyomizu-Dera, and Kyoto Tower (you can compare notes with a visit to its Tokyo sister).  

Another reason why I adore Kyoto so much is its entirely visitor-friendly, with excellent public transport and friendly locals who are happy and willing to interact with a mixture of miming and simple Japanese. All these things make it an easy solo traveling experience. 

So where should you stay in Kyoto ? You will be ecstatic to learn they have MANY solo travel-friendly hostels where you can relax.

The Kyoto Hana Hostel is my top pick; this hotel isn’t just a budget-friendly choice, with a five-minute walk from Kyoto Station Central. I love the opportunities to meet others in their range of shared bunk rooms, with the option for female-only! They even have a Japanese sleeping experience if you pick a private room with a shared bathroom.

Visiting Japan’s second-largest city Osaka, you will find a wonderful Japan solo travel experience that is hard to beat! All the while being treated to an affordable travel experience with excellent public transport and an endless list of things to do and see! 

During my visit, I adored learning about Osaka’s origins dating back to the 3rd Century AD and how it quickly established itself as a significant port. Today this old-timer still holds a strong sense of modernity. However, it isn’t all about its industry when you come here.

Osaka offers SOOO many things for solo travelers, including its mouth-watering food and the iconic Osaka Castle. I particularly recommend a stop by the Osaka Museum of Natural History , its numerous parks, and Buddhist temples. 

When you stay in Osaka as a solo traveler, I can rest your worries with their range of hostels waiting to welcome you to this iconic city. Notably, The Stay hostel is my favorite, as a great budget-friendly choice, all while being treated to shared bunkrooms, a rooftop terrace, a shared kitchen, and dining and lounging areas. 

My favorite place to go on a solo mission through the rural parts of Japan is Hakone.

The best thing about this place is, of course, it’s… HOT SPRINGS! This little 1892 village may have this as its main tourist drive, but it’s certainly not the only thing. You will adore its location in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park just west of Tokyo with gorgeous lakes and mountain forests. 

It is a perfect solo destination! You can make the most of its tranquility, take a solitary walk, and relax in the hot springs at the end of a sweaty hike. Adding to this, it’s just a short stop outside of Tokyo.

In my mind, it makes it even better as you could take a day out of city life to taste rural Japan. So if you take the dive to Hakone you need to check out Lake Ashinoko, Hakone Shrine, the Botanical Garden, and of course, Hakone Onsen (the to-die-for hot spring). 

If you decide to stay in Hakone, I recommend the Guest House Azito is in the heart of the town. Here you can choose several sizes of shared dormitories, traditional Japanese beds, and even a little apartment for those wanting that complete Japan solo traveling experience.  

Hokkaido is a real treat for solo travelers in Japan. This isn’t just because it’s the second largest, most northern island of the Japanese archipelago; it’s a poorly kept secret that we tourists are taking advantage of every year come winter!

Why is it so desirable? All solo travelers can admire this wild haven for nature lovers and ski enthusiasts with over seven national parks and numerous ski fields.

In my opinion, the best place to see it all is the largest national park Daisetsuzan. Here, you will be gifted with stunning views at their peak season in Autumn. In Daisteuzan, you MUST visit Mount Niseko (the largest mountain), with its brilliant views as you venture out into the untouched wild landscapes.

Although say you want something more ‘chill’? For those wanting a slice of busy city living, I recommend visiting the largest city in Hokkaido, Sapporo. Not only is this a great place to make your base while exploring the island’s wonders, but it also has many fun things to do inside its walls.

Sapporo is a mountainous city famous for its beer, skiing, and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, so to say there is a lot to do here would be an UNDERSTATEMENT. Learn about the rich brewing history or dive deeper into the snowy attractions that make the region so famous.

During a stay in Hokkaido one of the best hostels to stay when traveling solo is Ten to Ten , found Sapporo. They have shared bunk rooms with an option to pick female-only or private rooms, so this is appreciated! They also have a laidback and friendly attitude which is perfect for a solo traveler in Japan which makes it a highlight of a trip to Hokkaido.   

Having the right travel apps on hand when traveling solo in Japan will make the whole experience a blast. But what are the best travel apps for going solo?

• Japan Official Travel App. The perfect tool on hand to give you a must-see travel inspiration. 
• Jorudan. The official Japan travel app for getting around Japan.
• Hostelworld . The best place for finding hotels at a moment’s notice. 
• Japan Wireless. A place to get pocket Wi-Fi or a mobile SIM. 
• Couchsurfing . Find a couch to sleep on for a cheap way of travel.
• Dating Apps. Apps like Tinder, Grindr, and Bumble allow you to make friends and date while traveling. 
• Ho lafly . An e-SIM application that allows you to download a data-only SIM card without installing a physical card.

If meeting like-minded travellers is your goal, check out the current popular Facebook groups for travelers in Japan. Or, just do it the old-fashioned way and head to a hostel bar and introduce yourself!

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When traveling anyway, it’s important to know how to travel safely . Being solo in Japan is no exception, although it is known that this country is a very safe place to visit with a low crime rate. Travelers shouldn’t get complacent.

I want to share several tips to ensure that your dream trip doesn’t turn into a nightmare. Let’s go.

• When traveling solo in Japan, don’t travel alone at night ; if you must, keep to well-lit and populated areas. This is particularly true if you don’t know where you are or are unfamiliar with the area.

• Japan still has its handful of bag snatchers, so keep your bags tightly closed and buttoned u p, and never let it out of your sight! The same goes for cash; make sure you don’t keep it all on your person at any one time and keep it locked up securely at your hostel or hotel.

• Speaking of cash, it’s also a great idea to have cash on you in case your phone breaks, your card stops working, or you find a shop that only accepts money. 

• Female solo travelers in Japan can opt to stay in hostels with female-only dorm rooms or pay a little extra for a private room if they feel unsafe being in shared spaces. However, don’t let these worries ruin the experience of staying in a hostel.

• The public performers of the geisha and maiko don’t like their photos being taken, so don’t even ask for a selfie! Also, as extra respect for their culture, don’t misuse your chopsticks and try to learn the art before you go. Plus, learning Japanese will make the locals love you!

• When you go out, watch your drinks and don’t accept food or drinks from strangers. 

The final Japan solo travel tip I can offer is much more general…. Make sure you assign a safety person back home that you tell them where you are going regularly, so if something were to go wrong, they could ring alarm bells.

• Get an IC card ASAP. You will quickly find (as have I) our golden ticket to galavanting around
• Japan’s public transport with this prepaid card!
• Buy Yourself a SIM (I particularly love the air sim) or something less finicky like a portable pocket Wi-Fi. I believe that a SIM or portable Wi-Fi is a must when traveling solo in Japan. TRUST ME! You will save a lot on roaming fees and never get lost. 
• Get a JR rail pass. I found this pass was a lifesaver. It allows you to see ALOT of cities by train, all for one fee, that will take you all over Japan.
• Polish up your Japanese . Knowing basic phrases in Japanese is a must. I can assure you making the effort to talk with locals in their mother lounge will go a long way!
• Don’t let someone else plan your trip. I find the most fun you have when traveling is when you forge your own path. It allows you to make the most of your solo trip to Japan and see it all!
• Become the lion of your own adventure. Don’t be afraid to get a little crazy and throw aside those set plans if something even more enticing rears its head from behind the tall grass!
• Crime may not prowl in Japan as much as in other places, but… Be aware of what is around you, and don’t do anything too crazy!
• Travel insurance is a MUST. Trust me, it can save your trip. Would you want to be stuck in an airport without a plan B?

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Meeting like-minded people is one of the best things about solo travel. Here are some of my favourite ways to meet others on the road.

• Keep your eyes peeled for events . I find events a great way to meet people even if solo traveling Japan. You never know what might be going down when you’re in town!
• Make social connections through apps. Whether you are looking for a fun hook-up or are a solo female traveler , I find these offer endless ways to satisfy your social juices. So even you internet lurkers have no excuse! 
• Take advantage of short-term memberships. Sure, even if you are JUST in Japan for a few days, there are countless reasons I say why you’d benefit from these. You can work out at a gym or sports club and meet others while getting toned.
• Check out the brilliant Facebook groups. You can bet Japan has many Facebook groups to forge tight networks between foreigners. But what ones? These particular ones are nifty: Japan Travel , Friendly Discussion Group , Destination Japan , Japan Travel Community ?? , and For Foreigners Living in Japan .
• Be open to making friends! The number one thing I would say that will keep you from meeting people in Japan is being shut away. The best advice is to be present, friendly and say yes to every opportunity! You will soon find making friends while traveling solo will be a thing of the past!

Japan is a great solo travel destination with many fun things to do and a rich cultural heritage, making it one of the best places to go on holiday. There are not many terrible things to say about it as a place to go when you are visiting by yourself; however, with these tips we have offered, the small downsides can easily be avoided with a little planning.

Japan highlights the best things about traveling solo as you forge your path and make your own choices. If you want a lazy hot pool, you can do it! If you want to use this trip to improve your language skills and have meaningful discussions with locals in Japanese, you can also do that. 

It does live up to its reputation, and if you get the chance, you won’t regret visiting Japan for a solo experience.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Solo travel in japan: 16 helpful things to know.

Japan is like no other country in the world. It’s full of unique wonders, unforgettable experiences, and has a fascinating culture. Japan is often named one of the best countries in the world for solo travel. This makes it a popular destination for solo travellers, especially solo female travellers. 

I spent almost four weeks solo travelling in Japan. I absolutely loved it. But I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t challenging at times.

In this post, I’ve shared all you need to know about solo travel in Japan. I’ve also attempted to answer the question: ‘Is Japan good for solo travel?’. While many blogs online say it is, I do think it’s important to also look at the negatives. Yes, Japan is an amazing country for solo travel. It’s safe and full of incredible sights. However, with many cultural and language barriers, it can be an isolating experience. 

Despite the challenges of travelling solo in Japan, I do believe it’s a fantastic solo travel destination. I can’t wait to return one day and would happily go back as a solo traveller. 

If you’re questioning whether travelling alone in Japan is right for you, I hope you find the below post useful. I’ve tried to be as honest as I can, sharing some of the disadvantages of solo travel in Japan as well as the many positives. 

Table of Contents

Japan is safe for solo travel 

When it comes to the safest countries for solo travel, it doesn’t get much better than Japan. According to the  Global Peace Index , Japan is the 9 th  safest country in the world.

Serious crimes and petty crimes are infrequent occurrences in Japan. Many tourists happily walk around at night with no problems whatsoever. It’s even common for locals to leave their phones and laptops out in coffee shops while they go to the bathroom. Theft is that uncommon! 

Of course, crime is always a possibility wherever you are in the world. While Japan might be on the safer side, it’s still important to be aware of your surroundings and not take any risks. This is especially true for solo female travellers. 

The best time of year to visit Japan 

Deciding when to visit Japan is a big decision. Each season offers something unique and special. Whenever you visit Japan, it promises to be an epic destination. 

If you’re struggling to decide when to visit, here are some things to consider: 

Spring (March to May)  – spring in Japan marks the famous Cherry Blossom season (Sakura). As the weather warms and the days grow longer, Japan’s landscape is filled with beautiful cherry blossoms. This is the busiest time of year in Japan. Unless you’re desperate to see the famous cherry blossoms, I’d avoid visiting during this time. It can be very crowded and accommodation prices are much higher. 

Summer (June to August)  – the summer months in Japan can be hot and humid, especially in Tokyo. If you can cope with the heat, the summer is a great time to visit Japan. The Typhoon season in Japan is from May to October. This can sometimes have an impact on transport and activities, but it’s not an everyday occurrence by any means. 

Autumn (September to November)  –  Autumn is the best time of year to visit Japan. The weather is cooler, the crowds are fewer and Japan lights up with red, orange and gold as the fall colours put on a show. Autumn in Japan is also the best time of year to see Mount Fuji. While the weather can never be guaranteed, the month of November boasts regular clear skies and sunny days. 

Winter (December to February)  – the winter months are a unique time to visit Japan. In areas such as Hokkaido, there is often heavy snowfall making it the perfect ski destination. Major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto are also no strangers to snow. While the snow doesn’t tend to settle, it’s still a pretty sight. Winter is the quietest time to visit Japan, just remember to wrap up warm. 

As you can see, Japan is a year-round destination. Depending on what you want to see and do, there’s not a bad time to visit as such. 

How to get around Japan as a solo traveller 

The best way to get around Japan is by using its fantastic train system. Japan is renowned for having one of the best rail networks in the entire world. It can take a bit of getting used to, but once you’re familiar with it, it’s a great way to get around Japan. 

Most of the major Japanese cities have extensive public transit systems. Tokyo alone has one of the world’s biggest Metro systems. There are train and bus connections all around the city making it easy to get around. I didn’t use a taxi once while in Japan. 

Japan Rail Pass

Many visitors to Japan opt to purchase a Japan Rail Pass. Depending on which pass you buy, the JR Pass allows unlimited use of its rail network. This includes the famous Shinkansen (bullet train). 

Explaining the ins and outs of a JR pass is an article (or three) in itself, but there’s a  helpful guide here . I’m working on a guide to answer the question ‘Is a JR pass worth it?’,  but here are a few things to consider: 

• ​The JR Pass can only be used on the JR Network. Many train connections in major cities and between cities aren’t operated by JR Rail. For example, it’s not going to be the most useful for getting around Tokyo. 
• Other rail operators offer similar services between cities. These are often cheaper and depending on the route, don’t take that much longer. 
• Consider looking at regional JR Passes rather than one that covers everywhere. I only bought a JR Pass that covered the Kansai area and this worked perfectly for me. 

Pasmo or Suica Card 

The Pasmo and Suica cards are both pre-paid travel cards. Think of them a little bit like an Oyster card in London. However, they can be used in many tourist destinations in Japan.

I only got a Suica Card on the last week of my trip and wish I had bought one sooner! You simply add money using a vending machine at a station, then tap in and tap out on your train and bus journeys. You can also use the cards to pay for lockers at stations and even in some shops such as 7-11. 

Pasmo and Suica are generally interchangeable. I’d recommend waiting until you get to Japan to buy one. I found them to be a lot more expensive on the likes of Klook compared to buying one at the stations. 

Tips for getting around Japan as a solo traveller

Download the J apan Travel App by NaviTime . This was a lifesaver on my trip. 

Metro passes can save you money . All the major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto offer 24-hour & 72-hour passes. 

The trains in Japan are very punctual, don’t be late . 

The train stations in Japan are HUGE and can be very overwhelming, especially the likes of Shinjuku and Tokyo Station.  Arrive in plenty of time to find your platform .

Avoid travelling in rush hour , the trains can be very crowded. 

The station staff are very friendly and helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions or help . 

The best places for solo travel in Japan 

Building an itinerary for Japan is no easy task. I spent days and days (if not weeks) trying to figure out where I wanted to go in Japan and how long to stay in each place.

The truth is, it’s impossible to see Japan in one trip (unless you have months and months). You could spend a week in Tokyo alone and only scratch the surface of what the city has to offer.

Each of Japan’s cities has its own distinct charm with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. 

Here are some of the best places to visit on a solo trip to Japan. 

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan. It’s also the most populated city in the entire world!

There are mixed opinions on whether Tokyo is worth spending much time in. I personally love Tokyo! It’s a vibrant city with so many amazing and unique things to see and do . If it’s your first time in Japan, I highly recommend spending a few days here. 

There’s an endless list of things to do in Tokyo, but don’t miss some of the highlights including Asakusa , Tokyo Skytree , Shibuya , Akihabara , Harajuku or Yanaka Ginza . 

Suggested time to spend in Tokyo : four days 

Best place to stay in Tokyo for solo travellers : I recommend staying at either Wise Owl Hostel in Shibuya or Nui Hostel in Asakusa. 

Hakone  

Hakone is my favourite place I visited on my solo trip to Japan. This beautiful area is nestled in the mountains and boasts some incredible scenery. Hakone is known for its relaxing hot springs (Onsen), traditional culture and epic views of Mount Fuji . 

The area feels completely different to anywhere else in Japan (that’s on the tourist trail at least). It’s serene, laid-back and shows off an entirely different side to the country.

Hakone is the perfect day trip from Tokyo , but I’d recommend spending at least one night there to fully experience the area. There’s so much to do in the Hakone area and it would be impossible to see it all in one day. It’s also the perfect place to relax for a couple of days.  

I have to say Hakone wasn’t the most social of areas. If you’re a solo traveller looking for nightlife and to meet other people, Hakone isn’t the place. But it’s beautiful nonetheless and a must-visit in my opinion. 

Highlights in Hakone include the Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise, views of Mount Fuji , the Owakudani Volcanic Valley and the Mishima Skywalk . 

Suggested time to spend in Hakone : 2 days 

Best place to stay in Hakone for solo travellers : the Azito Guesthouse is the best hostel in Hakone

Related read: check out my suggested itinerary for Hakone

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most famous cities and an absolute must for anyone visiting Japan. If you’re interested in Japan’s history, Kyoto should be at the top of your list. There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto, each offering a unique insight into Japanese culture and history.

Kyoto is home to many must-see attractions. From the famous orange Torii Gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine to the Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, Kyoto has a range of incredible sights. The Southern Higashiyama area of Kyoto is one of the best places to immerse yourself in Japan’s history. The area is known for its ancient temples, small boutiques and wooden tea houses. It’s also where you can sometimes see a Geisha. 

While in Kyoto, don’t miss a trip to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was one of my favourite temples I visited in Japan. It can get VERY crowded though, so go as early in the day as possible. 

Suggested time to spend in Kyoto : 2 to 3 days. 

Best hostels in Kyoto :  Piece Hostel is one of the best hostels in Osaka. Len Kyoto is another good option.

Osaka 

Osaka is the perfect place to base yourself for a few days. It’s one of the biggest cities in Japan and has a completely different feel to it than Kyoto. The city is modern and vibrant but still has plenty of history attached to it. It also has some of the best food in Japan. 

Osaka is a great base for day trips. There are so many epic day trips from Osaka including Nara , Kyoto , Hiroshima , Himeji and Kobe . While in Osaka, don’t miss a trip to the stunning Minoo Park . It’s a great escape from the crowds of Osaka. 

Highlights in Osaka itself include Osaka Castle , the Umeda Sky Building , and the amazing street food . 

Suggested time to spend in Osaka : at least 3 days 

Best hostels in Osaka : I recommend staying in The Pax or Imano .

Hiroshima 

​A trip to Hiroshima offers a unique insight into Japan’s past. The city was the victim of a nuclear bomb back in 1945. Despite being destroyed, the city rebuilt itself.

One of the best things to do in Hiroshima is visit the Hiroshima Peace Museum . It educates visitors about the devastating incident, but also shows the resilience of the Japanese. 

While in Hiroshima, a trip to Miyajima is a must. This beautiful island is home to the Itsukushima Shrine, one of the most beautiful shrines in all of Japan. 

​Suggested time to spend in Hiroshima : 2 days (or a day trip from Osaka, but you’ll struggle to see everything). 

Best hostels in Hiroshima : I stayed at Akicafe Inn , it’s one of my all-time favourite hostels. 

Related read: Plan your trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima with this 2-day itinerary suggestion

Okinawa is a great place to relax for a few days. This stunning area of Japan is home to white sand beaches and crystal clear water. It offers an entirely different experience for your trip to Japan. 

​There’s not a huge amount of things to do in the area, but if you want to relax on the beach and snorkel in the ocean, Okinawa is the perfect destination.

Suggested time to spend in Okinawa:  3 days 

Best hostel in Okinawa :  MyPlace Guest House

There are lots of hostels in Japan 

Staying in hostels is a fantastic way to meet other travellers when on a solo trip to Japan. The Japanese hostels are some of the nicest hostels I’ve ever stayed in. They are clean, modern, and often have privacy curtains on the beds. For solo female travellers, many also have female-only dorm rooms as well as private rooms. 

Staying in hostels is a great way to meet new friends and fellow travellers who share similar interests. However, I have to say I didn’t find the hostels in Japan the most social of places.

This might have just been my experience, but I found it harder to meet people in hostels here than in other countries. I think this was due to a combination of things.

Japanese hostels very much cater to Japanese locals as well as tourists from Western countries. I spent nearly four weeks staying in Japanese hostels. There were only a handful of nights when other Westerners were in my dorm room. Of course, this isn’t an issue, but there was a big language barrier which made it hard to be social. 

Japan also isn’t the most popular destination for backpacking. I assume this is due to the cost and being out of the way of the traditional Southeast Asia backpacking route. Yes, there are solo travellers in Japan. But nothing like the amount you’ll find in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Australia. 

As I said, this was just my experience. I know some people who have travelled solo in Japan and met lots of other people. I also know many people who had the same experience as me. They found it harder to make friends than in other countries. 

Another great accommodation option in Japan is the capsule hotels. These tend to offer a little more privacy than dorm rooms. They’re very popular with the locals and much cheaper than a hotel room. 

It’s important to do some research beforehand

Visiting Japan can be an overwhelming experience. I don’t think it’s the type of place where you can turn up and ‘wing it’ without doing any prior research. This is especially true when it comes to solo travel in Japan. 

Even if you want to keep your itinerary open for some flexibility, here are some things I believe it’s important to research before your trip to Japan: 

• Where to stay in each city : Japan’s cities are HUGE and there are many different areas to choose from. Do some research to make sure you choose the right spot.  
• The cheapest way to get around Japan : many people assume a JR Pass will save them money. This wasn’t my experience. Spend some time calculating the cheapest method to get around for your itinerary.
• Social norms and rules: Japan has a unique set of social norms. Spend some time researching this beforehand. For example, did you know it’s considered rude to eat food in the street while walking?
• Top things to do in each city : there is an endless list of things to see and do in Japan and some of the activities require some planning or booking ahead. Don’t miss out on experiencing something because you researched it too late.

Have an open mind 

Travelling solo in Japan can push even the most confident of solo travellers out of their comfort zone a little bit. The country has a unique set of social and societal norms and it’s important to keep an open mind. 

Try the unusual foods, ask the locals questions and immerse yourself in their culture. 

One of the best ways to experience Japanese culture is to stay in a Ryokan. These traditional Japanese accommodations often include tatami-matted rooms and communal baths. Staying in a Ryokan is an absolute must while in Japan.

It can feel isolating 

Solo travel in Japan can be isolating and challenging. When planning my solo trip to Japan, many blogs only stated the benefits, so I want to talk about the negatives too. 

If you’ve never travelled solo before or you’re a bit nervous about travelling solo , I don’t believe Japan is the best place to start. The country has a very unique culture and while this is fascinating and wonderful, it can feel isolating.

As I discussed above, the hostels in Japan aren’t always the most social of places and it can be difficult to make friends. There’s also a big language barrier with many of the locals not speaking English. 

While solo travel is perfectly normal and accepted by Japanese society, I did sometimes feel a little on the “outside”. Even little things like working out how the restaurant vending machines worked or buying a train ticket can be difficult. 

​I don’t want to put anyone off from travelling alone in Japan. It can be an incredibly liberating experience. Most solo travellers love their time in Japan.

There are so many benefits to solo travel and Japan is no exception to this. However, I think it’s important to share the challenging side of solo travel in Japan as well. 

The food is amazing

The food in Japan is some of the BEST in the entire WORLD. If I had to eat one cuisine for the rest of my life, it would be Japanese food! A big part of your solo adventure in Japan is experiencing this incredible food. 

Contrary to popular belief, there is so much more to Japanese cuisine than fish. I don’t eat fish but this didn’t affect my experience in Japan at all. Many people also assume Japanese food is expensive. If you’re going to go to fancy restaurants every night and eat Kobe beef or fresh sushi then yes, it’s expensive. Likewise, the restaurants catering to Western tourists also have a hefty price tag. 

However, there are *so* many hidden and affordable food gems in Japan. Some of my favourite meals were in tiny restaurants with only a few reviews on Google.

My best advice is to avoid the tourist spots and look for where the locals are. Most of the meals I bought were around the $7 mark. 

Tip : TikTok raves about Gyukatsu, but this was one of my least favourite meals in all of Japan. 

Street food in Japan is another good way to eat on a budget. Each area of Japan has its unique foods and style of cooking. This means the street food never gets old and there’s always something new to try. 

My favourite budget food spots in Japan

• Curry bread from Tokyo Curry Pan in Asakusa (this was amazing)
• Gyoza from Nishiki Market in Kyoto . 
• Beef and cheese croquettes from Kuroge in Asakusa
• Taiyaki (fish-shaped pastry stuffed with red beans or cheese). This can be found all over Japan
• Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) from Doraju in Osak a 
• Yakisoba from Mr Young Men in Kyoto  
• Japanese Curry from Cocoro in Hakone . 
• Curry Udon Tachibana in Osaka . 

If you’re on a tight budget, the convenience stores in Japan are a great option. They have a range of delicious and high-quality sandwiches, sushi, salads, bento boxes, smoothies… the list goes on. It’s all very affordable. The 7-11 in Japan is unreal and you’ll find one on every corner. I also recommend trying Family Mart (who I think do the better coffee). 

Tip : when planning a solo trip to Japan, it’s fair to question if it’s normal to eat out alone. Luckily, eating out by yourself is  almost  completely normal in Japan. Ironically, the only places I felt a little uneasy were the Western restaurants full of tourists. It’s completely normal for Japanese people to eat dinner by themselves. Many restaurants even cater to solo diners by having solo booths or tables with one seat. 

There are several helpful apps to download 

Before embarking on your solo trip to Japan, there are a few helpful apps to download. 

Japan Travel by Navitime

If I could only use one app in Japan it would be this one. The Japan Travel app is  incredibly  useful. It’s similar to Google Maps in that it will tell you how to get somewhere, but I found it to be a lot more accurate. It tells you the best place to sit on the train and which exit to use to get to your destination. I’d have been lost without this app. 

​The best part about the Japan Travel app is you’re able to say which rail pass you have. Whether it’s a JR pass or a regular Metro pass, it will tell you if the route is included on the ticket or not. 

It makes travelling in Japan so much easier and less stressful. 

Google Maps 

While the Japan Travel app is useful for bus and train journeys, I’d still recommend downloading Google Maps for navigating the cities on foot. Download the maps offline in advance first so you can get around Japan without the internet. 

Google Translate

This is another app I could not have lived without while in Japan. There are a couple of major language barriers in Japan. The locals don’t speak much English, but you’ll also find many menus or shopping items are only in Japanese. The Google Translate app is a great solution for this. You can type in what you want to say and show it to the locals. It’s also possible to take photos of writing and the app will translate it for you. 

Many Japanese locals also use a translation app when communicating with tourists. 

The tap water in Japan is clean and safe to drink. However, I found it tricky to fill up my reusable bottle during the day. Thankfully, the Mizu app is here to solve that problem. 

The app shows you the nearest place to fill up your reusable bottle. This is sometimes water refill stations or cafes that will happily do it for you even if you’re not a customer. 

Always carry cash 

Despite being home to many major cities and modern inventions, Japan is still very much a cash-first country. Many local restaurants and cafes only accept cash. 

It’s important to always carry cash with you in Japan. Some places will accept debit or credit cards, but I had a few issues so would recommend sticking to cash as much as you can. 

Be aware of scams and crime

Japan is a very safe country, but crimes and scams do occur, especially in the big cities. When travelling solo in Japan, it’s important to exercise some caution.

One of the most common types of scams in Japan is nightclub scams. This is when tourists are lured into bars and clubs. The staff keep the drinks coming and then charge an excessive amount on the bill. The receipts are nearly always in Japanese which means many victims fail to notice until it’s too late. They often add random charges such as charging for seats or charging for being there on a weekend. If you’re invited into a bar, the best thing is to say no. 

If you’re a female solo traveller, it’s always important to  follow some basic safety guidelines  wherever you are in the world. Yes, Japan is very safe and the chances of something happening are low. But that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to go walking down dark alleys alone at 3 am.  

You might need to book ahead of time

​One of the best things about solo travel is having the freedom to do what you want and change your plans. However, this isn’t always the case in Japan. 

Each year, millions and millions of people head to Japan to explore this amazing country. If you’re visiting Japan during the peak season, you may need to book your accommodation, transport and activities ahead of time. The busiest months in Japan are March, April and May. The summer holidays and autumn months can also see a spike in visitors. 

I booked my accommodation about six weeks before my November trip. I found many of the budget hostels with a good rating had almost sold out (and some had completely sold out). Activities such as TeamLab Tokyo and the Harry Potter Studio Tour had also almost sold out.

​Solo travellers without a fixed timeframe might not need to worry about booking ahead. However, if you have a set amount of time and there are specific things you want to see and do, I’d advise booking ahead. 

Avoid tourist traps 

Solo travel in Japan is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and local life. You have the complete freedom to do what you want and at your own pace.

One thing I noticed in Japan was the amount of tourist traps. These were usually destinations only popular thanks to TikTok and other social media platforms. As a solo traveller, you have the choice to completely avoid these and don’t need to worry about what someone else might want to do. 

Consider going off the beaten track while on your visit to Japan. You can still visit the likes of Tokyo and Kyoto, but consider exploring some lesser-visited areas of the cities such as Yanaka Ginza or Uji . There are also plenty of amazing day trips from Tokyo and Osaka to lesser-visited destinations. I was gutted I didn’t get to explore more of these destinations. 

My next trip to Japan will certainly be more focused on escaping the crowds and discovering hidden spots. 

Consider group tours in Japan 

If you’re nervous about solo travel in Japan, consider a group tour. Small group tours are an amazing way to explore a country if you’re too nervous to travel completely alone. 

Related read: everything you need to know about group tours

There are several small group tour operators in Japan. Each of the tours includes a tour guide, accommodation, transport and some activities. Some of my favourite small group tour operators in Japan are G Adventures , Intro Travel and One Life Adventures . Intrepid are another fantastic option, and they tend to cater towards an older demographic. 

If you want to visit Japan but are nervous about going alone, group trips could be the answer! 

Buy an eSim

It’s a good idea to stay connected while in Japan. As a solo traveller, it’s good to have a way of contacting someone in case of an emergency. In Japan especially, I found myself using my phone more than ever. This was mainly due to using the Google Translate App, or quickly researching something while out and about.

SIM Cards in Japan aren’t quite as straightforward as in other countries. Tourists can only buy data plans and they are very expensive.

The best solution is to buy an eSim. It’s still expensive, but it removes the need to worry about a physical SIM.

Normally, I’d recommend using the trusty Airalo. For Japan, I suggest using Ubigi . Ubigi has a much better network in Japan compared to Airalo.

Summary: is Japan good for solo travel?

Yes, Japan is great for solo travellers. When it comes to safety and getting around, it doesn’t get much better than Japan. Not only is Japan one of the safest countries in the world, but it has a great infrastructure making it an easy country to navigate. 

However, I don’t think Japan is the best destination for  every  first-time solo traveller. Japan can sometimes feel very isolating. You need to be confident in the busy cities, deal with cultural differences and overcome the language barrier all by yourself. You also need to be comfortable with your own company and happy to explore Japan by yourself. 

I haven’t said that intending to discourage solo travel in Japan. I just want to be entirely honest based on my experience in Japan. It’s a completely different solo travel experience to the likes of Thailand, Mexico or Australia. Having said that, solo travel in Japan is an amazing way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in the culture.

If you’re a confident solo traveller, then Japan is one of the best solo travel destinations in the world. With a low crime rate, fantastic public transportation and unique attractions steeped in history, it is an incredible destination. 

Ultimately, only you can decide if Japan is the right solo travel destination for you. Put it this way, I’m glad I went to Japan alone. But I’m also glad it wasn’t my first solo trip. However you travel in Japan, it will no doubt be an unforgettable experience! 

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Japan Tours for Solo / Single Travelers

Filters applied, 250+ japan tours for singles / solo travelers with 3,587 reviews.

• Food & Culinary
• Christmas & New Year

Japan Real Food Adventure

Some more time in Osaka and visiting Koyasan at a less busier time would be good. The visit to the tea farm was great! Special Thanks to our guide, Morry the magician. He led us to some places that weren't included in the included activities.

Essential Japan

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• In-depth Cultural

Japan Express

Really enjoyed the fact that this was a very 'authentic' tour with traditional Ryokans and using the public transport used by the locals. Also loved that there was so much flexibility and I could opt to join the group or go off on my own. Really enjoyed it.

• Train & Rail

Epic 13-Day Japan Budget Tour: Odyssey Across the Land of the Rising Sun

I did a lot of group tours in the past, more than 50 single trips and this is my second tour with this operator. It’s a budget tour and that’s what you get. Start with the Hostels. pro: - surprisingly most of the backpacker’s hostels were really clean and modern. I always had a good sleep. The showers and toilets were cleaned regularly and the water pressure was perfect. Towels (except of one time) were provided also shampoo, body wash, conditioner and hairdryer etc. contra: - most of the time we had to sleep in 6-10 bed dorms. And of course it depends on the ppl if they are noisy or smelly. Bear this in mind. Sightseeing pro: - we saw a lot of shrines, castles, temples, pubs, restaurants and of course the museum in Hiroshima etc. We could get a slight overview of Japan and all the tourist attractions. contra: - we saw a lot of shrines, castles, pubs and restaurants! Sadly, because Japan is a crazy country and has a lot more to offer. At some point I was bored to visit the next shrine. So I ended up spending a day on my own to enjoy the Japanese lifestyle. Suggestions: Akashi - a cafe in Japan is famous for having one of the most bizarre toilets - it is surrounded by a giant aquarium. Or the Shibuya Sky's escalator. It is the most famous escalator in Tokyo. Transportation pro: - experience the Japanese subway and underground station and the tons of ppl. Don’t be scared. It’s not that bad. Don’t miss! contra: - you walk a lot. If it’s from the train station to the hostel or to other places. Sometimes there were no escalators so you get a great workout by stair climbing. Due to some kind of mismanagement we had two wait two times 2 hours at a train station for our train. It’s just wasted time. If you know there is time to kill you should find an alternative. 7-Eleven is none! Tourguide pro: - our guide was friendly, funny and nice! He already made sure that we got all the information for the next day in the evening before so everyone was well informed. There was not only one moment some one was missing or didn’t know what was going on. He was very thoughtful and managed to handout seat reservations to ppl he knew they are close, so everyone felt comfortable. He waited for everyone who stayed behind, and he showed a lot of patience for everyone, even if it meant waiting until everyone took their 100th photo. He always recommended restaurants, bars or shopping areas. It was easy to find. I can tell that he put a lot of effort into the daily heads-up! contra: - lack of knockledge. I missed information about Japanese lifestyle, behavior, do‘s and don’ts. Most of the time I googled it by myself. - Unfortunately, he was unable to stop some very rude behavior from grp members. If one grp member burb‘s loudly in front of a host, he shouldn’t let this slide. I felt so sorry for this nice host ladies and I felt embarrassed myself! - His acceptance of a random f*ckboy a grp member brought into the grp after a nights out was also inexcusable. This guy showed up regularly at almost every occasion (karaoke/last team event). A few grp members including myself felt very uncomfortable. Mentioned to the guide that he should be the one to stop this (because it’s a group event) was just ignored. To not ruin the mood the grp members agreed to let it slide.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Japan One Life Adventures - 10 Days

The tour overall was fantastic! I had a blast seeing the many sights Japan had to offer and getting to know the other people on the tour! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly and made the experience an unforgettable one!

• Coach / Bus

Wonders of Japan End Osaka

Excellent itinerary..

Splendid Japan with Nagoya (private 3 star hotel rooms)

Stunning Tours provided us with great local drivers and a tour guide who was very informative and friendly, and hotel accommodations in great locations each unique in its own way. The accommodations were very comfortable and either convenient to the particular location or offered amenities worth being a little distance away. They tailored the itinerary to our individual desires and needs. Best trip we've ever had!

Discover Japan

the tour was good. I thought the hotels could of been better

Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo

Takae made the tour unforgettable. Her insight and communication were priceless. She led our large group with enthusiasm and made us all feel so special. We saw amazing sites, learned about historical events, and were honored to experience rich culture. The tour was a once in a lifetime experience and we could not be more pleased. Thank you Takae, for your exceptional leadership and fun loving spirit. We will never forget Team Legend.

Stunning Japan with Shirakawa-go (private 3 star hotel rooms)

Super nice staff and had a lot of fun on the trip. Extremely satisfied. There were a ton of items on our itinerary and we actually were able to see them all. The first half of the tour was packed with amazing temples, shrines, and shopping. This was our first trip to Japan and this company was well organized, making the tour process very painless. I was very happy with my experience and would recommend them to anyone who wants to enjoy Japan.

South Japan Express

Pablo was a great guide and we got to see so much of Japan, no regrets booking this tour it was great !

Contrasts of Japan

Wonderful coordination. Europamundo packs many sights in a short time for those of us eager to see as much of the world as posible. Guides were well acquainted with the culture and history being able to manage a balance between when to talk to the group and when to give some time to rest between destinations. Selected hoteles were high quality, as well as included meals. This is our third tour with Europamundo and we feel very comfortable travelling with them.

Japan One Life Adventures - 14 Days

Review This tour is a great way to see Japan if you’ve never been before or if you’ve only been to one place. The transport system and crowds at important land marks can be confusing, so having a tour guide help you through it all is perfect. This tour is jam packed and allowed us to see ALOT of things in such a short amount of time. A lot of the activities are also optional so you can do your own thing, if you want to, once you reach each destination. However, experiencing Japan with a group of people is a lot of fun. All the different accomodation was a great experience to have and we also got to visit a lot of hot spots before the crowds rolled in! (Which means shorter lines and great photo ops!). I found the tour to have a good balance of scheduled activities and free time so you could go check out things that interested you, but also learn about the culture and important sites. This trip is such great value as japan can be quite expensive when it comes to accomodation, and all of that, as well as travel, was included. Just AWESOME! Alyssa was also a great tour guide. She was organised, fun and very helpful. She was always available if we needed anything and facilitated a great trip!

All Inclusive Japan Classics- 9 days

This tour was fantastic. The tour owners are foodies so we were told and it showed. The tour itself was terrific and well organized but on top of that the restaurant and other food choices etc. were just stellar.

Japan Delight with Hiroshima(private 3 star hotel rooms)

The tour itself was good and enjoyable. Aoki the tour guide was great at explaining the history of different sites and keeping everyone moving and on time. Our only complaint was about some of the hotels…some of them control the heat centrally and do not give you the option to lower the heat. Our room in Osaka was unbearably hot and we had to fight with the hotel staff who finally changed our setting to just fan. Otherwise no issues.

What people love about Japan Solo Tours

June 2023. Take this tour and you won't regret !

This was a really good Tour. It was thorough and we saw some amazing things! Pretty well-paced. Hotels were very nice! As an English speaker it was a bit difficult as I was placed on a tri-lingual tour! Primarily Spanish and Portuguese. Hard to understand at times. Guides were not consistent. We had 3 different guides. All on all though very happy with the trip!

It was a really great experience! Having both guided tours and lots of free time made for a nicely balanced tour where our guide, Toshimi, a very knowledgeable local, would show us parts of Japan and tell us of their significance historically and socially, and also tell us how and where to appreciate Japan during our free time. Our guide loves Japan's history and it was very interesting talking to him about Japan. He also made lots of great recommendations on places to see and eat at, and overall made the whole tour experience very convenient, fun, and informative.

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• Nederlands: Single reizen in Japan

The Solo Traveller’s Guide to Japan

Contributor

Welcome to another world – and another whirl. Neon-drenched cities and ancient wooden temples; whizzing bullet trains and serene tea ceremonies; geishas, samurai and majestic Mount Fuji rising cinematically into the clouds. Japan is full of evocative moments. Once you experience the country’s thrilling urban centres, scenic rolling countryside and rich culture, you’re sure to fall in love. Who needs a travel partner when you’ve got a destination this enticing all to yourself?

What’s the vibe.

This is one of the easiest countries to navigate as a solo traveller. There is an excellent train network to make your trip efficient and affordable, and plenty of hotels specialising in single rooms. Most restaurants are set up well for solo diners, as are attractions. What’s more, Japan is safe and friendly, so you won’t feel intimidated on your explorations.

A Japan solo trip overview

You can pack Japan’s top two must-sees – Tokyo and Kyoto – into a week, but it’ll be rushed and you’ll miss out on some of the magical moments that come with slower exploration. Two weeks is better, and three ideal, as you’ll be able to add in day trips from Tokyo, plus a couple of days each in second city Osaka and poignant Hiroshima. You should also have time for some of Japan’s more notable islands, such as art-packed Naoshima, as well as Mount Fuji. There’s no bad time of year to visit Japan, but spring (for cherry blossom) and autumn (for leaf turn) are two of the most popular.

Where to stay in Japan as a solo traveller

Japan is famous for its ryokans – traditional inns with woven tatami mat floors, sliding shoji doors and futon mattresses. Ryokans are best experienced in the countryside, where they might also come with onsen (hot springs) and half-board meals with elaborate multi-course menus. In cities, accommodation tends to be more modern, from budget business hotel chains to elaborate international five-star brands. Solo travellers love the popular, inexpensive capsule hotels, where self-contained pods sleep just one.

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What to do in Japan as a solo traveller

Even with three weeks you’ll have to make a careful edit of what you’d like to see and do in Japan. There is more here than could fill years of exploration. Don’t miss these amazing moments….

Sing karaoke in Tokyo

From the glitzy shops of Shibuya to the flashy arcades of Akihabara, Tokyo majors in modernity. Immerse yourself in the jungle of neon high-rises in the city’s west, ending the day in nightlife district Kabukicho for a beer-soaked izakaya (pub) dinner and late-night karaoke.

See the temples of Kyoto

While you’ll find beautiful temples and shrines throughout Japan, ancient capital Kyoto is the country’s cultural epicentre – there are more than 2,000 to discover there. Tick off Unesco-listed Kiyomizu-dera and other highlights, then take a reflective moment at a tea ceremony.

Join TRIPS by Culture Trip’s small-group adventure Japan Rising: From Neon Lights to Rural Ryokans , and get an insider insight into Kyoto.

Marvel at Mount Fuji

Japan’s world-famous peak can be seen from as far away as Tokyo on clear days – but there’s no substitute for getting up close. In summer months you can scale it on an overnight climb, should you feel up to the challenge (you’ll need to be very fit). All year round, and especially in winter when cloud cover tends to be minimal, consider taking in Fuji-san from the lakes near its base, including Kawaguchiko.

Eating and drinking in Japan

There will be many dishes you might recognise – sushi, ramen, tempura – but unlike catch-all Japanese restaurants at home, here you’ll find each dish served up at its own specialist establishment. Most causal spots, including kaiten (conveyor-belt) sushi-ya , have counter seating with bar-style stools, so eating solo is rarely intimidating.

There are plenty more dishes to try throughout Japan, and you’ll find each destination has its own specialty. For example, Osaka is well-known for kushiage fried skewers and Hokkaido for crab.

If you are on a tight budget or are especially uncomfortable dining alone, Japanese conbini (convenience stores) and depachika (department-store food halls) nationwide serve high-quality dishes to take away.

Take a look through our carefully prepared lists of food and drink in Japan .

Getting around Japan solo

Japan’s rail network is comprehensive, and in the few areas where it does not operate, coach connections provide a well-oiled alternative. So while you could hire a car, it’s almost entirely pointless, at least for a first-time visitor.

Buy yourself a Japan Rail Pass before you depart, to be redeemed in person at a train station when you arrive in Japan. The pass covers most of the country’s major rail lines and will let you enjoy unlimited travel for the period indicated, potentially saving you hundred of pounds.

Stay safe, stay happy

Japan is a safe country, and most visits will be incident-free. Do keep in mind that the country is prone to earthquakes – even very small ones – and has previously experienced tsunamis. When you arrive in a new destination it’s good practice to familiarise yourself with the local procedures and community meeting points, just so you are prepared in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Cultural need-to-knows

While things are changing, Japan is still largely a cash-based society, especially outside of the cities. Come armed with a couple of different bank cards as some ATMs can reject foreign cards without clear reason. Tipping is not common practice in Japan and in some cases can even lead to offence.

Solo travel doesn’t have to be a lonesome affair – and in linguistically immersive places like Japan, you’ll be glad of some company. Join Culture Trip’s 12-day small-group adventure in Japan , taking in highlights including Osaka’s traditional backstreets, Tokyo’s high rises and Kyoto’s shinto shrines.

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Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

Japan Solo: Trip Planning Resources, Itinerary and Budget

March 14, 2018 by Janice Waugh

The Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine in Kyoto. Photo by Thomas Tucker on Unsplash

I'm off to Japan solo.

I'm sure the trip will go by in a flash. But the planning, that was slow and arduous.

Exciting, yes, but it took time!

I would research, then process the information, integrate it with what else I knew and then, maybe, make some decisions.

And then I'd reverse some decisions and make others. Over the course of planning this trip I've had at least seven – maybe ten – itineraries. Tokyo and Kyoto were a given but what about in between. I wanted to experience the countryside and smaller towns. At first my focus was on Lake Biwa, outside of Kyoto. But still, it's a big lake and I was struggling with where.

Then I chatted with a book club friend, Mina. She pointed me to Yudanaka for its onsen, the ancient Nakasendo Trail, and the mountain town of Takayama. These were highlights of an organized tour of Japan she took a couple of years ago. It made sense to me. History, small towns and the outdoors.

At first I was determined to do it all. I played with train schedules and cut my time back in Tokyo and Kyoto. But in the back of my head, I knew it was crazy. It would break my basic rule of trip planning: no fewer than three nights in any location. Five destinations in nine days is definitely a breach.

I reluctantly gave up Takayama and focused on Mogame and Tsumago on the Nakasendo Trail. But then accommodation wasn't available. I was back to Takayama and dropped the trail. Then, finally, with all the onsens in every location, I wondered whether I really needed Yudanaka. I dropped it.

Finally, I have my Japan itinerary finalized with 3 nights per location. I'll go to Tokyo, Kyoto and Takayama. I know what I plan to do. When I return, I'll let you know how closely I stuck to the plan and to my budget. Both are below, but let's start with the research process.

I'll arrive in Tokyo but leave the next morning. My thinking is that the city will be a bit much for me in a jetlagged state. I'll spend time there at the end of my trip. Photo by  Erik Eastman  on Unsplash.

Japan Trip Planning Resources

I booked my flights a few months ago in an attempt to get the best deal. I think I missed it by a week but I try not to think about that. Next was figuring out what to do! Here are the resources I used most often.

• Solo Traveler . We have a category on Japan with a few posts in it written by readers who have been. I started there when deciding where to go in this small country that has so much to see.
• Tour companies . I then looked at a few organized tours to see what they included. Most hit the highlights of the larger cities. As I mentioned, getting out of the cities was a priority for me.
• Friends . I have a surprising number of friends with Japanese friends living in their homeland. Mina helped by focusing my itinerary outside the major cities. Glenda, who has been to Kyoto a number of times, convinced me that it is not a city to breeze through. There's too much there. Elizabeth connected me with a friend in Tokyo who I will be meeting one night. Dale connected me to a Canadian working in Tokyo who helped me with an accommodation issue.
• Global Greeters . I always check to see if Global Greeters are in a city I'm visiting. I have a greeter set up for Tokyo and I'm waiting for confirmation of one in Kyoto.
• Rome2Rio . I use Rome2Rio a lot when planning a trip. Put in a start and an end point and it gives you how to get there by various modes of transportation and how long it will take. It's pretty accurate though not perfect. You have to double check the specifics once you've made your choices but it is great for determining a reasonable plan.
• The Amateur Traveler. This is a great site. Chris Christiansen interviews people on a variety of travel topics. He's been doing it for years. You can listen to the interview and also read the transcript and use the links in the show notes. I listened to  Hike Japan’s Nakasendo Trail – Episode 479 Transcript  and confirmed that I definitely wanted to include this in my trip itinerary. Unfortunately, as I said above, it will have to be another time.
• Japan Rail Pass . Because my plan includes a number of stops the Japan Rail Pass makes sense. It can only be purchased by people who do not live in Japan and must be bought before arrival. I bought it online. It has to be ordered and delivered to your home so make sure you order in advance.
• Booking.com . I tried the site for Japan Guesthouses but I found it cumbersome as you have to submit a request and wait to hear back. When I did, my request wasn't available. This could take weeks. I went to my go-to accommodation site, Booking.com . During my search I booked 15 nights, carefully making sure that all were cancelable. Then, of course, I cancelled the ones I didn’t need ending up with my required 9. I went cheap in  Tokyo and Kyoto with  hostels. They look beautiful and I’ll thus be saving my money for Takayama, where I booked a traditional Japanese ryokan or inn. Booking all on one site I can see all my accommodation in one place and know that there are no gaps.

Enjoying the countryside is an important part of my Japan itinerary. I want the quiet and nature but I also want to see life in smaller places. Photo by  Masaaki Komori  on Unsplash.

Japan Solo: My Itinerary and Budget

Here's my rough itinerary for Japan. I booked all my accommodation because it's a short trip so I don't have a lot of flexibility.

• Day 1 – Arrive Tokyo Haneda, Japan at 4:55pm. 1 night in hostel
• Day 2 – Take train to Kyoto. Booked into hostel for 3 nights.
• Day 5 – Train to Takayama
• Day 8 – Train to Tokyo
• Day 10 – Fly out to Sydney. Yes, I'm off to Sydney to visit family for a week after Japan.

And my budget including all taxes:

• Flight – Cdn$1,621 (a Japan return flight not my flight to Tokyo, Sydney, Toronto)
• Japan Rail Pass – Cdn$381
• Tokyo – 1 night in female dorm, Cdn$50
• Kyoto – 3 nights in female dorm, Cdn$150
• Takayama- 3 nights in private room with bath, Cdn$$528
• Tokyo – 2 nights in female dorm, Cdn$100
• Food – Cdn$600
• Activities / guides – Cdn$250
• Misc – Cdn$200

Total – Cdn$3,880

Let's make it Cdn$4,000 or US$3,090 or €2,493 or £2,211.

When I'm back I'll give you an update on what I actually did with my actual budget just like I did with last year's road trip around the Adriatic that included Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. Read Planning a Road Trip Around the Adriatic: Slovenia, Croatia & Italy  and  Travel Plan vs. Reality: European Road Trip .

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How a 2-week Trip to Tokyo Changed My Mind About Solo Travel

As an extroverted traveler, I learned to appreciate sitting in silence.

Courtesy of TeamLab Planets Tokyo

I’m sitting alone at a record bar in Tokyo , sipping a dirty martini and willing someone to talk to me. It’s been more than 24 hours since I’ve spoken out loud; body language and the bizarre magic of Google Translate have been my only modes of conversation. As a hyper-extrovert, I’m going a little wild — and it’s more than just the 'tinis talking (if only they would).

"I really like the music," I type on my phone, watching my words reappear in Japanese and wishing my personality translated as easily. I slide my screen across to the bartender with a pitifully earnest facial expression, clearly craving human interaction. He offers me a smile and quickly returns to garnishing a cocktail. I want to say, "Where do I go to make friends?" I want to say, "This is my first time traveling alone and I’m a little lonely, but mostly awestruck by this kaleidoscopic city, and I wish I could talk about it in a non-computer generated voice." Instead, I open my mouth and tip back the last of my drink, crossing my fingers into an X because the internet told me that’s how to signal for the check here. In Japan, my words and gestures are not my own, and yet I feel closer to myself than I have in months. 

I set out on my first-ever solo trip a week ago — 12 days in Tokyo and Kyoto , where I know no one and can’t speak a word of the language — in a bid to push myself as far out of my comfort zone as possible. I’ve been traveling full-time for a year, primarily with friends and family in French- or Spanish-speaking places where I have some linguistic leeway. Most of my trips have been with a parent , partner, or close friends, meaning I’ve rarely found myself alone.

That hasn’t bothered me much: I’ve always preferred my alone time in brackets. I’m glad to spend the day writing or wandering on my own, so long as I know I’ll meet a friend that evening. So when I decided on nearly two weeks alone in Tokyo to celebrate my 29th birthday, I worried about the open-endedness of all that me time. What if I don’t like myself as much as I like my friends? What if I’m a less savvy traveler when I don’t have someone to explore with? And worst of all, what if I get overwhelmed by all the restaurants I’ve starred on Google Maps and don’t have someone to help decide where we should eat? The responsibility of being entirely in charge of my own itinerary seemed daunting.

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

But traveling alone ended up being one of the most fulfilling, empowering experiences I’ve had during this nomadic year. Alone in a country and in a language I had absolutely no bearings in, I started to reconnect with myself. The endless sprawl of Tokyo meant I could never "see it all," so I quickly gave up on the instinct to pack things in and instead let myself be carried along by the current, taking long, meditative walks through old-school neighborhoods like Yanaka and along the river in Nakameguro. Moments of loneliness were overshadowed by unexpected sparks of connection, like swapping travel stories at a sushi counter or hopping through wine bars with local friends I met on my last night. 

For all the ways solo travel intimidated me — and for all the moments I wished I had someone to talk to and process the experience with — it ultimately gave me more confidence in myself as a traveler, helping me feel simultaneously more self-sufficient and open to relying on the kindness of strangers. It taught me that certain things — like an umami-packed first bite of uni or the musical creaks of 400-year-old floorboards in a Kyoto castle — can’t be translated, so sometimes it’s best to put down your phone and just appreciate them in silence. 

If you’re planning a trip to Japan , here are some of the places in Tokyo and Kyoto that changed the way I think about dining, sleeping, and wandering on my own. 

After touching down in Tokyo in the evening, I headed straight to Aman Tokyo , a secluded oasis tucked away from the city’s bustle. After crashing early, I woke the next day at sunrise and made a choice I would never have dared to with a travel companion: I didn’t leave the hotel. That’s right, I flew 14 hours to spend an entire day inside. Hear me out: A few too many recent attempts at overextending myself at the start of a trip had convinced me to take it easy on day one, allowing myself to adjust to the jet lag and get ahead of some deadlines. And it wasn’t exactly a chore to hole up in my sun-drenched, 1,517-square-foot suite with beautiful blonde wood, delicate washi paper doors, heated bathroom floors, and panoramic views of the glittering city from the bathtub. 

After knocking out some work, I made my way to the hotel’s heated pool, where I had tantalizing skyline views entirely to myself. Already starting to relax, I indulged in a restorative Signature Spa Journey — a full-body scrub and massage that erased any damage my flight had done — before taking full advantage of Aman’s luxurious spa amenities , including an onsen-style hot bath and a steam room. It was the best thing I could have done for myself to start the trip on a positive note, and it taught me an important lesson from the get-go: Listen to your body. I knew I needed a day to reset, despite the voice in my head telling me I should be exploring immediately. When you’re traveling with others, compromise is the name of the game; alone, there’s no need to people please. 

The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon

Nikolas Koenig

There’s perhaps no better view of Tokyo than from one of the 206 guest rooms and suites at The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon . Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the Ian Schrager hotel is as dazzling to look at as it is to look out of: Rooms are elegant and understated, with minimalist furnishings in natural wood tones and luxuriously comfortable beds. Suites on the upper levels boast their own private terraces, all the better to admire the stunning skyline. I spent my last night here, wrapped in a plush bathrobe and gazing out at the Tokyo Tower as I reluctantly packed my bags. 

OK, I lied — I know exactly one person in Tokyo, and they happen to be the chef of one of the coolest farm-to-table restaurants in the city. I met California native Katy Cole in France last fall, when we worked the wine harvest in Chablis together. When she suggested I look her up if I were ever in Tokyo, the idea sounded so far-fetched that I immediately put it out of my mind — until a few days before my trip, when I asked if she’d be free to get together and, ideally, eat. We ended up spending several days together, including a night at her charming, intimate restaurant in Tokyo’s Meguro neighborhood. 

It’s hard to overstate Locale 's cozy and convivial atmosphere: Sitting at the counter around her open kitchen, it felt like pulling up a stool at a friend’s home — one who has excellent taste and an extensive knowledge of local Japanese produce, which is front and center on the rotating chalkboard menu. Alongside a solid selection of natural wines, I tried everything on the menu that night, from an avocado and French lentil dish spread atop a shock of pink yogurt (colored by the Japanese pickle shibazuke ) to roasted pork with local cabbage. The meal ended with a homemade buttermilk pecan cake drizzled with a crème anglaise so good that it brought tears to my eyes — or maybe that was just my delight at having found such a wonderful new friend in Katy. (But seriously, the cake was fantastic.) 

Ginza Sushi Ojima

One of the worst parts of traveling alone is not having someone to share food with. I love eating by myself, but as just one person, I can’t try as many dishes as I would with a companion. This dilemma was solved entirely by my first-ever omakase experience, a meal built entirely around single-bite courses. Walking into Sushi Ojima in Ginza, which is hidden in a nondescript office building, I felt like I’d found my way into a secret club. I hardly knew what to expect: I’d pre-paid for a 13-course nigiri lunch at the intimate 12-seat counter and I’d brought a book, thinking I’d want to keep myself entertained, utterly unaware that I was about to witness one of the most beautiful works of culinary theater I’d ever seen. 

With fluid movements, the chef sliced fresh cuts of fish into sculptural perfection, dabbing on freshly grated wasabi or sprinkling sakura salt before pressing them into mounds of rice. I was mesmerized. I was drooling. I was unsubtly eyeing the Japanese couple next to me each time we received a new course, trying to gauge if I was meant to use chopsticks or my fingers. It was one of the moments I most wished I could communicate out loud about what a life-altering moment my taste buds were having, as my mouth closed around a sunset-colored squid and I ate a veritable school of tiny white fish with pink eyes. 

Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

Tea is an indelible part of Japanese culture, and getting to taste a variety during Sakura Afternoon Tea at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi was a palate-expanding experience. While the sweet and savory sampler was delicious — raspberry and pistachio opera cakes and tiny bites of duck breast wrapped in a cucumber crepe with maple cream — it was the tea that delighted me the most. That, and the view of Mount Fuji in the distance.

Curry Spice Gelateria Kalpasi

Almost impossible to find, this curry shop and gelateria (a culinary combination I was thrilled to discover existed) sits at the end of a small alley in the ultra-hip Shimokitazawa neighborhood. To order, you warily eye a vending machine labeled with the Japanese menu, then look positively helpless until someone comes and kindly points out that you select the top row to order either two or three of the daily-rotating curries and a fragrant mound of jasmine rice; the next row includes can’t-miss sides like Japanese pickles and coconut sambol ; the third is to add on gelato. While the curries are mouthwatering, the gelato is what’s truly worth writing home about: They’re pepped up with various curry spices, so you can expect flavors like coconut with charred mustard seeds and kaffir lime, chocolate and Sichuan pepper, or mascarpone with cardamom and lassi. 

TeamLab Planets Tokyo

There are few places that combine culture with unbridled childlike joy like TeamLab Planets . The interactive museum — a favorite of celebrities like Justin Bieber and Dua Lipa — is a full-body experience that begins by removing your shoes and shuffling up a vertical waterfall. Making my way through the exhibits, I was struck by how much fun everyone was having. Sure, it’s an Instagram hot spot, but in between snapping curated photos, every single person was grinning and looking around the space with wonder. 

It was invigorating to watch adults be so, well, silly — and how could you not be when you’re asked to crawl alongside a group of strangers on a mirrored floor as a ballet of fragrant orchids dances overhead? Or, when you’re told to bump into enormous color-changing globes? Each room holds new visual and tactile surprises, be it the Infinite Crystal Universe — a dazzling, Kusama-esque mirrored room of LED lights — or the shin-deep pond of warm water, where vibrantly projected koi fish interact with bodies in real time. The museum is a memorable experience that’s a must-see in Tokyo. 

After picking up a Japan Rail Pass at Tokyo Station — which allows unlimited travel on the Shinkansen, the high-speed bullet train, to just about anywhere in Japan for a set duration of seven, 14, or 28 days — I snagged a seat on the next train to Kyoto (be sure to ask for a seat with a view of Mount Fuji).

Two hours later, I was met by a driver from Aman Kyoto , who whisked me 30 minutes north to the meditative retreat set in a lush, secluded garden that’s been extraordinarily maintained for decades. The property is a natural marvel, carved out with mossy stone paths studded with tall trees and lit by candles at night. The ryokan-inspired rooms are a striking marriage of modern design and ancient tradition, with floor-to-ceiling windows that give way to a view of the green glades. With two restaurants and an indoor-outdoor onsen, I found it hard to tear myself away. 

Minimalist and peaceful, my room — in particular, the enormous hinoki bathtub — was the perfect place to rest and reset after long days of touring temples in Kyoto. While I was mesmerized by all of the famous sites — Nijō Castle, Daitoku-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Fushimi Inari were a few favorites — I was most moved by the private temple tour and tea ceremony the hotel organized for me. This offered unparalleled access to a centuries-old tea room and a one-on-one lesson with a Japanese tea master. 

Sake Bar Yoramu

For a crash course in sake, make a pilgrimage to Yoram Ofer’s exceptional eight-seat bar in downtown Kyoto. As a natural wine lover with no knowledge whatsoever of the fermented rice beverage, I was enthralled when I walked in and found him patient and passionate in his explanation of flavor profiles and producers. 

He opened the bar back in 2000 and has been aging much of his sake since then, serving his vibrant, invigorating beverages by the glass so that you can taste a wide variety — everything from fruity, unpasteurized styles to ambered vintages — a number of which he heated up for me to try side by side.

• Travel tips

Japan Solo Travel Itinerary: One month in Japan from Tokyo and Hiroshima

Planning a 1 month Japan itinerary is a lot of fun! But it can be intimidating as well. There is so much to do in Japan, which makes it challenging to narrow down the choices. And if you are travelling to Japan for the first time, how do you decide where to go? Where do you start?

I travelled to Japan many times as a solo traveller and did a ton of research each time. I’ve filtered all the best things to do and put them together in an epic 1 month Japan itinerary. I’ll show you exactly how you can spend one month in Japan, including all the highlights of all the best cities between Tokyo and Hiroshima.

Keep reading and learn how you can travel efficiently and on a budget and see the best sights on your first trip to Japan.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost. Thank you for supporting this website. Please read the disclosure for more information.

What you need to know before spending one month in Japan on your own

Before you start your Japan solo travel itinerary, take a look at my post on  everything you need to know before going to Japan . I included a lot of travel information, including how to get around Japan and other travel tips.

Here are a few additional tips for staying in Japan for a month:

• Japan is a  safe country  for solo female travellers.
• Japan’s official currency is the  Japanese Yen (¥) . Many places will only accept cash. You can get money from ATMs from convenience stores .
• The standard voltage in Japan is 100V . The power socket is type A & B. Check  here  to determine if you need to bring a travel adapter.
• At the start of your journey,  buy a prepaid IC Card   at the airport or any JR train station . Get a  Pasmo or Suica card in Tokyo  and use the same card across the country for most transportation, including the major routes for the suburban train, subway, bus, and other transportation as indicated.

1 month Japan itinerary from Tokyo to Hiroshima

My 1 month Japan itinerary starts in Tokyo and finishes in Hiroshima. You can see the glitziest cities, hot spring towns, art islands and some off-the-beaten-track cities during your 4 weeks in Japan. Along the way, you can sample the most delicious Japanese food , as different regions have different regional food.

Here is a quick summary of your 1 month in Japan:

• Day 1-6: Tokyo
• Day 7-8: Hakone
• Day 9-11: Osaka
• Day 12-15: Kyoto
• Day 16: Kobe
• Day 17: Himeji
• Day 18: Teshima
• Day 19: Naoshima
• Day 20: Kurashiki
• Day 21-23: Onomichi
• Day 24-26: Hiroshima
• Day 27: Miyajima
• Day 28: Depart from Hiroshima or Osaka

Day 1 – 6: Tokyo (6 days)

The best way to start your one month in Japan is by visiting Tokyo first. If you like the big city vibe, bright lights and fascinating things to see and do day and night, you will love Tokyo!

What to do in Tokyo

A trip to Tokyo must include a visit to all the different neighbourhoods. Visit Shinjuku to see the bright neon signs and Shinjuku Station , the world’s busiest train station. Take an Instagram photo at the Shibuya Crossing in Shibuya . Wander around the hipster neighbourhood of Shimokitazawa and browse for electronics in Akihabara . And you visit the famous Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa  and see the glitzy shopping district of Ginza .

And for an off-the-beaten-path attraction, see hundreds of lucky cats at the birthplace of the lucky cat at Gotoku-ji . And for something low-key, browse through all the pedestrian streets of Omotesando , the boutique shops of Harajuku and the laidback neighbourhood of  Kichijoji .

Even though there is a lot to see in Tokyo, you should venture outside of Tokyo and see other attractions as well.  Kamakura and Nikko are both great destinations for day trips from Tokyo.

Where to stay in Tokyo

Landabout tokyo.

Landabout Tokyo  is a modern and hip hotel for those who want a  minimalist room and close to public transportation . The 3-star hotel is only 3 minutes from Uguisudani Station and 12 minutes from Ueno Station.

Day 7 – 8: Hakone (2 days)

Hakone is the hot spring region of Japan. While most visitors will take a day trip from Tokyo and visit Hakone for the day, the Hakone region has many things to do, and it is worth spending two days in the quaint little town.

What to do in Hakone

Buy a Hakone 2 day Freepass in Tokyo before you leave for Hakone and use it during your time in Hakone .

Go to Hakone-Yumoto Station , then take the Hakone Tozan Train to Gora . After, take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sounzan . Then hop on the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley . You can smell the sulphurous gas while on your way up to the top. At the top, you can also see Mount Fuji in the background.

Then after you descend Owakudani Valley, the pass includes a ride on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise where you sail the length of Lake Ashinoko and disembark at  Hakone-machi Port . Then you can explore the areas around Lake Ashinoko. Look for the Hakone Shrine where a large torii gate sits at the lake’s edge.

During your second day in Hakone, you have an option to use the free transport that is part of your Hakone 2 day Freepass and visit one or all of these places:

• Walk across Japan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, Mishima Skywalk near  Mishima
• Do some outlet shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlet
• See Odawara Castle in Odawara

Where to stay in Hakone

Ryokan senkei.

Accommodation in Hakone can be expensive, and budget accommodation options are just okay. However, experiencing traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) at a Japanese Ryokan is a must when you are in Japan. 

Ryokan Senkei is a traditional ryokan where you can experience traditional Japanese onsen on the premise. You can get a clean twin room at a reasonable price.

Money-saving tip: Purchase a Hakone 2-day Freepass (¥5,700), including train transportation from Shinjuku. The pass includes train travel from Tokyo to Hakone, eight types of transport within the Hakone region, and perks for some attractions in Hakone. If you buy the basic pass only (¥4,600), you will have to pay for the train, which costs between ¥1,520 to ¥4,010. Only buy the basic pass if you already have a JR Pass.

Day 9 – 11: Osaka (3 days)

Located in the Kansai Region, Osaka is one of the top-visited cities in Japan. With modern buildings, traditional temples, exciting nightlife and delicious local cuisine, Osaka is not to be missed during your month in Japan.

What to do in Osaka

Visiting Osaka must include a stroll through Osaka Castle and the surrounding park. While you are there, also visit Hozenji Temple and Osaka Tenmangū , which hold one of the top three festivals in Japan.

And the action-packed Namba  area has everything you want in a big city. And  Dōtonbori  in Namba is full of bright lights, neon signs, takoyaki (octopus balls) stands, and okonomiyaki restaurants. Before leaving Namba, take a photo before the Glico Running Man sign .

Osaka is also a shopper’s paradise. You will find most of the stores in Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade. The shopping street also has many restaurants, cafes, and even more restaurants when you venture off the main avenue.

Follow my 2 day Osaka itinerary and see the best attractions in the city. And on your third day in Osaka, take a day trip to Minoo Park or Koyasan .

Where to stay in Osaka

First cabin midosuji namba.

Staying near Namba is ideal for a short-term stay in Osaka. First Cabin Midosuji Namba  is a modern capsule hotel, one of Japan’s best modern capsule hotel chains.

Book a  business class cabin  with a single bed, a side counter to put your valuable belongings and a mounted 26″ LCD tv above your bed. There is plenty of vertical space and a rolling curtain for more privacy.

Day 12 – 15: Kyoto (4 days)

During your one month in Japan, you must visit Kyoto , which was once the capital city of Japan. As one of the largest cities in Japan, there are many temples, shrines and zen gardens.

What to do in Kyoto

A visit to Kyoto must include  Kinkaku-ji , Gion and Kyomizudera Temple ! All of these places are quintessential to Kyoto. And not to mention spending half a day in Arashiyama marvelling at the Bamboo Grove and feeding the monkeys in the Monkey Park .

For all Instagrammers, photos at Fushimi Inari Shrine are a must. But don’t be intimidated by the crowd. Bonus tip: hike to the top where fewer tourists are photobombing your photos.

Because there is a lot to see, you can follow my 2-day Kyoto itinerary to see the best sights in just two days.

Then on days three and four in Kyoto, take day trips to Nara to see wild deer in the park and Uji , the town that is known for matcha green tea.

Where to stay in Kyoto

Hotel resol kyoto kawaramachi sanjo.

Book 4 nights at Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo , a modern Japanese hotel in Kawaramachi, the downtown area of Kyoto. Most attractions are within walking distance.

Money-saving tip : Kyoto is a big city, and walking to all the attractions may not be possible, especially in a tight time frame. Pick up a Kyoto City Bus One-day Pass at Kyoto Station so you can quickly hop into any subway and bus and visit all the sites within the same day.

Day 16: Kobe (1 day)

By now, you have visited all the big cities in Japan, like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. You will visit several off-the-beaten-path cities and art islands for the second half of your Japan one-month itinerary.

Next on the itinerary is Kobe. And when you hear the name Kobe, you will immediately think of Kobe beef. While the city is known for its delicious beef, there is plenty to see! Kobe is considered to be one of Japan’s most attractive cities!

What to do in Kobe

Trying Kobe beef is a must in Kobe! Many restaurants serve the local specialty, including Steakland and Wakkoqu . Each restaurant serves a variety of teppanyaki beef, one of the best ways to cook Kobe beef.

Spending one day in Kobe includes visiting Ikuta Shrine , Kobe City Museum , Kobe Port Tower and Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden . Then see all the different museums, or former mansions known as ljinkan , in Kitano-cho at the edge of Rokko Mountain .

Before you leave Kobe, a stroll through  Nankin-machi (Kobe Chinatown) is necessary. And end your day by visiting Kobe Harbour. 

Where to stay in Kobe

Candeo hotels kobe tor road.

Stay one night at the Candeo Hotels Kobe Tor Road, a 4-star hotel with modern guest rooms and within walking distance to most attractions.

Money-saving tip: Trying Kobe beef in Kobe is a must! At Steakland, the lunch menu is much cheaper than the dinner menu and you get exactly the same thing. So if you are on a budget and want to try Kobe beef, definitely try the delicious beef at lunch instead of dinner.

Day 17: Himeji (1 day)

Himeji is one of the friendliest cities in Japan. The city is compact and small, and it is worth spending a day visiting all the best sites. And Himeji has one of Japan’s top three most beautiful castles and hidden zen temples in the mountains.

What to do in Himeji

Himeji Castle is one of the best attractions in Himeji . The UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as the White Heron Castle , which has pristine white-plastered exterior walls that resembles a white heron in flight.

And you must visit a group of temples called Engyō-ji Temple  which is hidden away in Mount Shosha just 20 minutes north of Himeji Castle. The forest surrounding Engyō-ji Temple has a peaceful atmosphere and a zen-like feel. It is an excellent spot for cherry blossom in spring and fall foliage in autumn.

Also, visit Koko-en Garden and one of the many museums in the city. You can see all of these attractions on the same day.

Where to stay in Himeji

Richmond hotel himeji.

Stay one night at the Richard Hotel Himeji . It is close to the train station, so you can drop off your bag and start sightseeing right away.

Day 18: Teshima (1 day)

As the second-largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, Teshima is full of contemporary art and design. Although toxic waste was dumped illegally on the island before, it has been cleaned up and transformed into an art destination.

What to do in Teshima

You can see all the sites in Teshima in one day . Teshima Yokoo House is a beautiful and colourful artwork gallery in an eclectic traditional house and exciting art installation in the silo. Les Archives du Coeur is a beachside gallery where space focuses on heartbeats.  La Forêt des Murmures has 400 wind chimes in the forest that remind us about life and the passage of time. And also, check out Needle Factory and Teshima 8 Million Lab .

Most of all, you have to visit the Teshima Art Gallery . The actual installation is open to the air and nature on Mount Myojin . As it hits the surface, it resembles a water droplet. When you enter the interior, the semi-open space feels calm and peaceful. It is one of the best art installations I have seen! Definitely not to be missed!

Bike riding around Teshima island is more efficient than walking, as the attractions are a bit far from each other. Watch out for the steep hill as you approach Teshima Art Museum. Bike rental costs ¥1,000 for four hours (¥100 for an additional hour after that).

Where to stay in Teshima

Teshima has limited accommodation, so staying in Uno Port is a much better option. The Hym Hostel is a contemporary hostel in a renovated warehouse in Uno , close to Uno Station and Uno Ferry Port. It is an excellent accommodation choice for visiting both Teshima and Naoshima. 

Day 19: Naoshima (1 day)

You can’t visit Teshima without visiting Naoshima ! This island is full of art, design, art installations, museums, and everything else. If you love contemporary art or modern architecture and are a fan of Yayoi Kusama’s work or Tadao Ando’s architecture, you must visit Naoshima!

What to do in Naoshima

Get ready for a full day of contemporary art on Naoshima Island ! First, visit the Chichu Art Museum to see modern artwork. As you move closer to the coast, you will find the Benesse House Museum and Lee Ufan Museum . Part of the appeal of Naoshima is the outdoor art installations along the beach. Most notable is Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin. The Yellow Pumpkin inspired my solo trip to Japan!

Before you head back to the port to catch your ferry back to Uno, visit the Art House Project and Naoshima Bath (I Heart Yu) . Then, snap a few photos of the Red Pumpkin for your Instagram!

You can walk or rent an electric bike to tour around Naoshima for the day. Walking is doable; you don’t have to worry about parking your bike.

If you choose to walk, walk anti-clockwise around the island and first visit the Chichu Art Museum. The museum has specific timeslots and is quite busy, so book your ticket in advance.

Where to stay in Naoshima

There are a handful of accommodation options in Naoshima. But as I mentioned above, staying at Hym Hostel is an excellent option for visiting Teshima and Naoshima. 

Day 20: Kurashiki (1 day)

Kurashiki is a scenic canal town with a lot of character. It was once part of a vital distribution route for Japan’s most valuable commodity, rice. Canals were built around the city to facilitate rice delivery to the nearby port towns. Today, the charming village has restored warehouses converted into shops and restaurants.

What to do in Kurashiki

Spend some time in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter , where you will find picturesque canals and old typical Kurashiki shophouses along the canal. Also, visit  Kurashiki Craft Work Village , a space for craft making and traditional Japanese tea ceremony and  Kurashiki Monogatarikan , a tourism and cultural centre.

Other Kurashiki highlights include  Honmachi and Higashimachi , the main areas in Kurashiki. Both areas have traditional houses with restaurants, cafes, and galleries.

Also, visit Kanryuji Temple and Achi Shrine in Tsurugatayama Park . Remember to take in the view from above.

Where to stay in Kurashiki

Dormy inn kurashiki hot spring hotel.

Stay at Dormy Inn Kurashiki Natural Hot Spring Hotel , a centrally located hotel chain with standard bedrooms with a bathroom. The best part about this hotel is the hot spring facilities.

Day 21 – 23: Onomichi (3 days)

Onomichi is a small quaint town in Hiroshima Prefecture. Known for its temples, cats, and cycling, It is off the beaten path from the typical Japan itinerary. But let me tell you: It is one of the best places to experience Japanese culture and cycling on the country’s best cycle route, Shimanami Kaido .

What to do in Onomichi

For a small town, there are many things to do in Onomichi . Follow the guided path along the Temple Walk , where you can see 25 Buddhist temples along with the hillside town. The 2.5km trail also leads you to Tennei-ji Temple and Cat Alley . Hike up the hill to Senko-ji Park for a panoramic view from the Observatory platform . Senko-ji Temple is perched near the top of the mountain as well.

During your second day in Onomichi, take the train to Okunoshima Island to see a bunny-filled island!

On the last day in Onomichi, experience one of Japan’s best and longest cycle routes. The Shimanami Kaido starts in Onomichi and takes you on a 70-km journey to Imabari. The path connects six islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Some of the highlights along the way include Innoshima Bridge, Kosanji Temple, and Miraishin no Oka . The entire route will take about eight to ten hours to complete. You can cycle halfway to Imabari and back to Onomichi on the same day .

Check out the Shimanami Kaido cycling map , learn about the area, and plan your bicycle day trip.

Where to stay in Onomichi

Onomichi u2.

If you are an avid cyclist, you will want to check out Onomichi U2,  as it is a hotel geared for cyclists. The hotel is set in an old warehouse, but the interior is designed with minimalistic aesthetics.

Money-saving tip: There are several bike rentals in Onomichi. One is at Ekimae-kowan Car Park , where you can rent a bike for ¥1,100 a day (and ¥1,100 deposit, which you will get back when you return to the same terminal). You can also rent an awesome (but more expensive) road bike from Giant Bike at the bike store at Onomichi U2 Hotel .

Day 24 – 26: Hiroshima (3 days)

Hiroshima attracts many visitors from everywhere! You can leisurely visit all the major attractions in a few days and sample all the delicious Hiroshima cuisine!

What to do in Hiroshima

If you travel to Hiroshima, you must be interested in all the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park sites. Spend the day wandering around the park to see the Flame of Peace , the  Children’s Peace Monument , and the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims . Then, visit the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn everything about the atomic bomb and how it affected Hiroshima. The Atomic Bomb Dome is not far away and is an excellent place to see the remaining structures left from the nuclear bomb attack.

Go up the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower to see Hiroshima from above for a special treat. You can see the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima on a beautiful clear day.

Visit Mitaki-dera , which is just a train ride away. The temple dates back to 809, and it has a beautiful pagoda, hiking trails, and waterfalls.

After spending two days in Hiroshima , spend your last day on a trip to Iwakuni , a picturesque little town just an hour away. See Kintai-kyo Bridge over the Nishiki River , Kikko Park and Iwakuni Castle .

Where to stay in Hiroshima

Hiroshima washington hotel.

There are many budget and mid-range accommodations in Hiroshima. One of the moderate price ranges includes Hiroshima Washington Hotel . The 3.5-star hotel has minimalistic, functional rooms and is close to the city centre and shopping street.

Money-saving tip: Getting around Hiroshima is super easy! The city is quite big, but trains and streetcars will take you to every corner. The streetcar costs a flat rate of ¥180 within the inner city and  ¥280 beyond the city . Don’t worry about carrying the exact change; you can use your rechargeable IC card.

Day 27: Miyajima (1 day)

Miyajima is one of the most memorable places I’ve visited in Japan! Most people will use Hiroshima as a home base to visit Miyajima on a day trip. But if you have the time and the funds, stay overnight on the island to experience another side of Miyajima.

What to do in Miyajima

Start your day in Miyajima by walking through Itsukushima Shrine and finding the best spot for taking photos of the Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate . After walking through Momijidani Park , follow the trail and hike up Mount Misen or take the Miyajima Ropeway . While at the top, visit the Shishi-iwa Observation Deck , Misenhondo Hall , Reikado Hall and Kuguriiwa Rock . And on your way down from Mount Misen, check out Daishoin Temple and all the whimsical Buddhist statues.

Also, try some of Miyajima’s food specialties, including Momiji Manju (a small cake in the shape of a Japanese maple leaf with different fillings) and Miyajima oysters .

The tide level changes quite a bit throughout the day. While I was there in October, it was high tide in the morning and low tide in the afternoon. I saw the Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate submerged in water in the morning and walked around the giant Torii Gate in the late afternoon. You can check the tide level online before you visit the magical island.

Where to stay in Miyajima

Hotel miyajima villa.

Like most solo travellers, I keep my accommodation budget low. However, if there is one place you want to splurge, this is it! Stay overnight at Hotel Miyajima Villa and experience a traditional Japanese ryokan hotel. Here, you can sleep on tatami mats and soak in a traditional Japanese hot spring bath. 

Day 28: Fly home from Hiroshima or Osaka

All good things must come to an end. Most flights fly out of Hiroshima or Osaka, and taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) is the most efficient way to reach either airport.

Make your way to either Hiroshima or Osaka and catch your flight home.

Are you spending a month in Japan on your own?

I hope so because Japan is such a magical place and perfect for a solo trip.

I hope you like my 1 month itinerary for Japan. I truly enjoyed every single one of these cities and would highly recommend each place. I hope my sample Japan solo travel itinerary can help you tailor a dream solo trip to Japan.

Let me know in the comments if you have tried my one-month itinerary in Japan or if you have any suggestions on other things a first-time traveller must do in Japan.

Thank you for reading my 1-month Japan itinerary

You might also like these other posts on solo travel in Japan:

Introduction to Japan

• Solo Travel to Japan: 17 best cities for solo travellers
• Things I wish I knew before going to Japan
• 11 Off-the-beaten-path places in Japan
• Japanese Food Culture: 11 must-try food

Kanto region

• 5-day Tokyo itinerary for first-time visitors
• Where to stay in Tokyo for solo travellers
• Tokyo Food Guide: 42 best places to eat in Tokyo

Kansai region

• Kyoto 2-day itinerary
• Uji day trip from Kyoto
• Nara day trip from Kyoto or Osaka
• 2-day Osaka itinerary
• Where and What to Eat in Osaka, Japan
• Osaka to Kobe day trip: 1-day itinerary
• Minoh Waterfalls Trail: easy day hike from Osaka
• Himeji day trip from Osaka

Chugoku region

• Naoshima Art Island: 1-day itinerary
• How to spend one day on Teshima Island
• 17 Best things to do in Kurashiki Japan
• 13 Top things to do in Onomichi Japan
• Shimanami Kaido: how to spend one day cycling Japan’s best bike route
• Hiroshima 2-day itinerary
• Day trip to Miyajima from Hiroshima

Kyushu region

• 10-day Kyushu Island itinerary
• 25 Best things to do in Fukuoka Japan
• Day trip to Dazaifu from Fukuoka
• Kumamoto City in one day
• Day trip to Mount Aso from Kumamoto
• 11 Top things to do in Kagoshima Japan

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I've been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!

Further Reading...

Teshima Island: How to Get to Teshima & Things to Do on the Art Island in Japan

Osaka to Kobe Day Trip: Best Things to Do in Kobe in One Day

Kyushu Itinerary: 10 days Exploring Kyushu Island on a Budget

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What I Wish I Knew Before Taking a Solo Trip to Japan

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Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Most people dream of going to Japan, but there are a few important things you need to know before planning a solo trip to Japan.

Compared to lots of other Asian countries, Japan is super easy to travel in and great for people who are new to travelling alone .

Don’t get too confident yet though because there are tons and tons and tons of mistakes I made when I was in Japan solo, and I’ve been travelling alone since 2015.

Japan is unique. Things that typically hold true for travel in other parts of the world don’t always hold true in Japan. Even things that work in Japan’s neighbour South Korea don’t necessarily work in Japan.

So, I’m going to share everything I learned on my solo trip to Japan with you to hopefully save you some mistakes.

Actually, at this point, I’ve been to Japan three times and feel like I definitely know what mistakes not to make. I’ve made nearly every mistake you can.

Let’s get into the nitty gritty of solo travel in Japan! Hopefully by the end of this article you’ll feel confident and prepared and be able to travel in Japan solo like a pro.

Table of Contents

Stay Near the Main Train Station

The biggest mistake I made on my first solo trip to Japan was not staying near a major train station.

I know when you travel to most countries around the world, you don’t really have to stay near a major train station. As long as you’re near some sort of public transportation, you’re good to go.

That isn’t the case in Japan.

If there is only one thing you take away from this post, it is that you need to stay near a major train station. Ideally, about a ten minute walk away. That way you’ll be super close to the train station but far enough away that it’s quiet.

Most Japanese cities have one major train station. It’ll typically be the name of the city followed by the word station. Like Osaka Station or Kyoto Station of Fukushima Station. You get the point.

Tokyo is a huge city. Huge doesn’t even describe it. Since it’s so large, there are many major train stations.

The two I recommend staying near are either Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station . They’re pretty central and have access to lots of different metro and JR lines.

Why is it Important to Stay Near a Major Train Station?

There are two main reasons it’s important to stay near a major train station:

• Access to lots of different metro and JR lines so getting around is quick and easy
• Lugging luggage around on Japanese metros is a hassle. Even if you only have a carryon bag, the trains are often crowded and have lots of stairs. Staying near a major train station means you can just leave the train station and easily walk to your hotel or Aibnb and avoid having to transfer to the metro, JR, or bus to get to your hotel.

Trust me. It’s 100% worth it to stay near a major train station even if it means you have to pay a little bit more for your accommodation.

It is the one tip I give everybody when they’re planning a trip to Japan. Whether it’s a solo trip to Japan or a group trip to Japan.

My Favourite Hotels Near Train Stations

• Tokyo Station: Via Inn Prime Nihonbashi Ningyocho
• Shinjuku Station : Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
• Kyoto Station : Hotel Kanra Kyoto (definitely a splurge but worth it!)
• Osaka Station : Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka
• Kanazawa Station : Hotel Resol Trinity Kanazawa

Get Outside Tokyo and Kyoto

On my first solo trip to Japan, I only went to Tokyo , and that was a big mistake. Tokyo is nothing like anywhere else in Japan. It’s extremely busy, hectic, and overwhelming.

Kyoto is the next most popular city in Japan for tourists, and I honestly found it a big overrated. Please don’t crucify me for that!

I think that one of the best things you can do when in Japan solo is get outside these two major tourists hubs and see a little bit more of what Japan has to offer.

Osaka is super close to Kyoto, and it has a totally different vibe to Tokyo and Kyoto. It is way more relaxed and laid back and has a lot of interesting tourist attractions. Including Universal Studios Japan !

The food in Osaka is also top notch, and it’s known as the foodie capital of Japan.

If you visiting Kyoto is your dream because it looks beautiful and full of ancient temples and things to do, I recommend visiting Kanazawa.

It’s everything I thought Kyoto would be and more. Kanazawa is my favourite city in Japan and one I wish more tourists visited. Plus it’s way more affordable than Kyoto, which is a huge plus for solo travellers on a budget.

I don’t really care where you go, but I do highly encourage you to get outside of Tokyo and Kyoto and see a little bit more of Japan.

You won’t regret it. There are so many interesting things to do in Japan that most tourists don’t know about because most people only go to Tokyo.

And trust me when I say that I don’t know a single traveller who says Tokyo is their favourite city in Japan.

Install an Esim on Your Phone

Having access to the internet with data on your phone is an essential part of your solo trip to Japan. It’ll make your life so much easier.

To easily travel around Japan, you need access to the internet. To get around, to figure out what train to take, find tourist attractions, and make sure you pick the perfect place to eat.

Luckily, there is an easy solution on how you can have data on your phone everywhere in Japan.

That’s by installing an esim on your phone. An esim allows you to purchase local data for whatever country you’re visiting. In this case, Japan. You buy an esim, and you can use your phone’s data just like you do at home but without any high roaming fees.

All you have to do is purchase an esim either online or through the app , install it on your phone, and make your esim your main source of data. The entire process takes less than five minutes and is very intuitive and easy. You can even install an esim on your phone before you arrive in Japan, and it’ll automatically activate when you turn on your data in Japan, and you phone connects to a Japanese network.

I like to purchase my esim online because it gives you a QR code. You just scan the QR code on your phone, and your esim is set up in a few easy clicks.

Esims allow you easy access to phone data without having to rent a wifi egg , purchase a local sim card, or incur high roaming fees with your local carrier.

I recommend esims to all my friends and family when they travel, and they all love it as much as I do.

Install an esim on your phone to make getting around Japan easier and stress free.

My Favourite Esim

Since esims are a relatively new technology, there aren’t a lot of reliable companies offering them yet. And you do not want to purchase an esim from an unreliable company and be stuck stranded without phone data.

I love Airalo . It’s my go-to esim provider, and I purchase all my esims through them.

They have the most esims available for the most countries compared to competitors. They also offer incredibly good prices and always have reliable data. You purchase a certain amount of data up front. If you’re close to running out of data, you can purchase more data to be added to your esim with one quick click in the app.

Another option you can look into is Drimsim . Unlike Airalo, Drimsim charges you per MB used rather than charging you for a certain amount of data up front.

If you don’t plan on using much data, Drimsim may be the better option. I highly recommend if you choose Drimsim to turn off your data whenever you’re not using it. This will prevent data accidentally being used in the background and running up your bill.

I tend to use a fair amount of data when I travel between Google Maps, texting, and scrolling social media while eating alone, so Airalo is my esim of choice.

I’m normally in a country for three to four weeks at a time and purchase the 5GB plan. I’ve never gone over before, but there have been a few times when I’ve been close. If you’re only in Japan for a week or two, you should be fine purchasing a 1GB or 3GB plan.

The 3GB plan is probably your best choice. It’s only a dollar or two more than the 1GB plan and gives you the peace of mind that you won’t accidentally run out of data while out and about exploring one day.

Plus it’s likely more expensive to purchase a 1GB top up if you run out of your pre-purchased 1GB data than it is to purchase a 3GB plan.

Anyways, whatever amount of data you choose to purchase is up to you. The important thing is that you install an esim on your phone, so you can easily access the internet when out exploring. This is especially important as a solo traveller !

Google Maps is Your Best Friend

You’re probably already acquainted with Google Maps, but it’s going to become your best friend when you’re travelling Japan solo.

Google Maps in Japan has some of the most comprehensive information of any country I’ve visited.

Especially when it comes to public transportation, which some people find overwhelming and confusing the first time they come to Japan.

Here is some of the information Google Maps tells you when riding the metro in Japan:

• What entrance to take to get to the metro
• What exit to take when leaving the metro. This is very important information. Please don’t ignore it!
• The exact train car number you should get on for the quickest transfer or exit
• What platform your train is departing from. This is very helpful in major train stations where there can be over 20 platforms
• How busy the train is, is the train has AC or not, and whether or not there are delays on the route

Google Maps can also navigate indoors in Japan. This is super useful when trying to find a store in a massive shopping mall. It’ll guide you to the nearest escalator to the store you’re looking for and take you right to the entrance.

It’s fabulous. Google Maps may be your most used app while on your solo trip to Japan!

Major Train Stations are Difficult to Manage

Major train stations are extremely difficult to manage. You 100% need to use Google Maps if you’re trying to find what exit to use or something inside a train station.

Before you start thinking I’m dramatic and how hard could a train station possibly be, Shinjuku Station has 200 different exits.

So, yeah, complicated. You can easily get lost and spend an hour or two wandering around trying to find what you’re looking for.

Trust me. I once spent half an hour looking for a tempura restaurant in Tokyo Station and ended up giving up and leaving.

Whenever you have to exit a major train station, be sure you know what exit you want and watch the signs carefully.

Some major train stations like Kyoto Station and Kanazawa Station are easier to manage. Some like Tokyo Station and Osaka Station are more complicated.

Be prepared. Be patient. And if all else fails, find your way to an information booth, and someone will be happy to help you find what you’re looking for.

Be Prepared to Queue

I hate waiting in lines and avoid waiting in them at all costs. The Japanese don’t seem to have the same aversion to lines that I do. There are lines everywhere, and people don’t mind waiting for them.

There are lines for food (these are often the longest lines at popular restaurants). Lines for tourist attractions. Lines for no apparent reason.

It’s just something that comes with a solo trip to Japan.

Hopefully you don’t have to wait in too many lines but bring your patience just in case. If you know you’ll be waiting in a line on a particular day, consider bringing a book (or audiobook) or something to entertain yourself with.

Avoid Golden Week at All Costs

Golden Week is a national holiday in Japan where people get an entire week off of work. Japanese people use this as an opportunity to travel, and a lot of people travel within Japan rather than going abroad.

This means three things:

• The most popular cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are very, very, very busy
• If you’re visiting a less popular tourist destination, things like restaurants may be closed
• It will be difficult to find an affordable hotel even if you’re booking months in advance. I wanted to go be in Sendai durning Golden Week and couldn’t find an affordable hotel even though I was looking 5 months in advance.

I was in Japan during Golden Week in 2023 and experienced both those things. I spent the majority of Golden Week in Fukushima. Not the most popular tourist destination. A lot and I mean a lot of the restaurants were closed. Some were open until 2pm, but many were closed all day. Not great.

Then I was in Tokyo for the last two days of Golden Week. It was madness. I’ve never seen a city so busy in my entire life. I cannot imagine how busy it was during the height of Golden Week because I assume some people already went home to get ready for work in a couple of days.

Moral of the story is to avoid Japan during Golden Week at all costs. Don’t think to yourself that it won’t be too bad because it will be. Trust me.

On the flip side, going to Japan right after Golden Week is probably the best time of the entire year to be in Japan. I was at Tokyo Disney Resort the four days following the end of Golden Week, and I’ve never seen it so quiet before. It was magical.

Golden Week changes dates every year and is sometime in either April or May. Just do a quick Google search before planning your solo trip to Japan and make sure you aren’t planning it during Golden Week.

Avoid Golden Week at all costs. Ideally visit Japan right after Golden Week for the lowest crowds.

The JR Pass Probably Isn’t Worth it

You’ve probably heard a lot about the JR Pass and how it is essential when travelling in Japan. How you’ll save so much money with the JR Pass.

But, honestly, that isn’t the case for most people.

If you’re only travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto, you likely won’t get your money’s worth out of the JR Pass.

If you’re in Japan for two or three weeks and spending more than a day or two in each city, you probably won’t get much value out of the JR Pass.

You need to be using the JR a lot in a short period of time to get value out of the JR Pass. Especially now that the price is increasing by about double!

I spent 3 weeks in Japan in 2023 and took the JR or Shinkansen between each city I visited. I used JR trains to travel within each city. Even though I would have used the JR Pass a lot, it still didn’t make financial sense for me to get one.

That’s because I wasn’t using the JR enough or on expensive enough lines that purchasing a JR Pass made sense.

Be sure to do the math and use a JR fare calculator before purchasing a JR Pass to make sure you’re getting enough bang for your buck by buying the pass.

The benefit of the JR Pass is that you can pre-reserve seats on the train, which is a huge plus if you have luggage and have to reserve luggage space.

Although, when I was in Japan, I never had to reserve luggage because you only have to reserve it on the most popular and busiest routes like Tokyo to Kyoto or Tokyo to Osaka.

You don’t have to reserve luggage space on most Shinkansen trains.

And if you’re going from Osaka to Kyoto without a JR Pass, just get on the slower JR train rather than the Shinkansen. It’s a third of the price and only takes 10 or so minutes longer if you get on a super rapid train.

JR Fare Calculator (see if the JR Pass saves you money)

Be Internet Safe

Even if you get an esim for your phone, you’ll still be relying on public wifi during your solo trip to Japan. Even if it’s only while at your hotel.

Please don’t waste your esim data and use it at the hotel rather than the complimentary hotel wifi!

And since you’re going to be using public wifi at least part of your trip, I’m going to lecture you about the importance of using public wifi safely.

Public wifi networks are just that. Public. That means anybody with the code can access the wifi. From my experience, a lot of hotels in Japan don’t have a password on their wifi. Anybody can access the wifi even if they aren’t staying at the hotel.

This means that there are countless people using the same unprotected wifi network as you. That puts you personal online information (like you’re banking information) at risk of being stolen.

All it takes is one person with bad intentions, and you’re dealing with the headache of cancelling bank cards while abroad. Trust me when I say that’s no fun.

The only way to protect yourself when using public wifi networks is by installing a VPN on your devices. A VPN essentially puts an invisible forcefield around your devices that makes it impossible for prying eyes to access your personal online information.

A VPN makes using public wifi networks just as safe as using your home wifi where you’re the only person who knows the password.

One of the most important things you should so when preparing for your Japan solo trip is install a VPN. It’s the simplest safety precaution you can take.

The cost per month for a VPN subscription on a two-year plan costs less than a latte and cake pop at Starbucks. You have no excuse not to protect your online information.

I always say that if you can afford to travel, you can afford to protect your online information with a VPN.

My Favourite VPN

I’ve used a lot of VPNs over my many years of travel. Most of them, frankly, suck. VPNs are notorious for slowing your devices down, and you really feel the different in internet speed when using a VPN.

That’s not the case for NordVPN . It’s consistently ranked the fasted VPN on the market and the only VPN I’ve ever consistently used. You don’t feel like your internet speed is slowed down at all when using NordVPN.

You can install a single NordVPN subscription on up to six devices. That makes it super easy to protect all your devices for one low price.

One of my favourite feature of VPNs is being able to cloak my location. That allows me to watch Netflix from different countries and watch Canadian sporting events while abroad.

There are really no downsides to installing a VPN on your devices. It’s an extremely small price to pay for the peace of mind you get by knowing your private information is safe and sound while you’re abroad.

Get the fastest and most reliable VPN on the market for an extremely low price.

One of the first things you’ll notice on your solo trip to Japan is how quiet it is. In terms of volume. Not in terms of people. There are always tons of people in Japan.

It’s a widely known rule that people are quiet and respectful while out in public. This means no talking on the metro and no loud conversations at restaurants.

And please, please never answer a phone call while on public transit. It’s considered quite rude to speak on the phone in nearly every indoor public setting in Japan. But if you talk on the phone on the metro, you will definitely be getting dirty looks.

Just be sure to be quiet, reserved, and respectful while in public in Japan. I know you’re on a solo trip to Japan, but I also know a lot of you like to make friends while travelling alone. So, if you go out with a group (or while you’re alone), please be quiet.

There is a time and place for loud conversations, and in public is not it.

Oh, and small talk isn’t really a thing in Japan. I know my American friends love starting small talk with strangers, but you’ll be getting weird looks if you try that in Japan.

Taxis are Extremely Expensive

Taxis are never the most affordable way to get around, but in a lot of places they’ve not super expensive. They’re affordable enough that you can justify taking a taxi if it’s going to be super convenient or save you a lot of time.

Japan is not one of those places.

Japan has the most expensive taxis I’ve ever seen in my life.

There is no circumstance I could ever see justifying me using a taxi instead of the metro other than being physically injured and needing to get to a hostpial.

And even in that circumstance, I may still take the metro because the taxi fees are so high.

If you normally take taxis when you travel, you’ll need to get used to the idea of using public transportation or walking.

See point one about staying near a train station if you need a refresher. 😉

The good news is that Japan has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. It’s so easy to get around. You won’t even miss taking a taxi.

Most major cities have large metro systems. Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto all have metros where you can easily get around. Smaller cities in Kanazawa rely on buses. But they’re smaller cities, so it’s easy to walk everywhere if you’re staying in a central location.

Just be prepared to use public transportation and walk a lot while in Japan. Taxis are a luxury not a normal thing to use.

Purchase Popular Tickets Online in Advance

As we’ve talked about in this article, Japan is busy, and there are often queues. To cut down on your time waiting in line, there are two things you can/should do:

• Get to attractions earlier in the day to avoid crowds
• Purchase tickets online in advance if you can

These two things will save you heaps of time on your solo trip to Japan. You’ve got a lot to see and do while in Japan alone, and you don’t want to be stuck waiting in a line if you don’t have to.

There are also some things you need to pre-purchase tickets for. As in you can’t get them at the door or they’re likely to be sold out. Those two main things are Universal Studios Japan in Osaka and Tokyo Disney Resort .

This is especially true for Tokyo Disney. You have to purchase your tickets in advance. You can’t buy them at the gate. Universal recently reintroduced buying tickets at the gate, but it’s a super small park and sold out in advance more days than not.

Other Tickets You Should Consider Buying in Advance

• Tokyo Skytree

Shibuya Sky

• Tokyo Tower Observation Deck
• TeamLab Planets (hugely popular and likely to sell out)
• Sanrio Puroland 
• HARUKAS 300 Observatory
• T eamLab Botanical Garden (Osaka’s version of TeamLab Planets)
• Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Narita is Very Far Away from Central Tokyo

Narita is very, very far away from central Tokyo. Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, but the majority of international flights fly in and out of Narita.

This means you need to have a solid plan on how you’re getting from the airport to your hotel. Sometimes it can take up to two hours depending on where you’re staying.

You can either take the metro or a limousine bus. I prefer the bus. You’re guaranteed to get a seat, probably drops you off closer to your hotel, there is no need to transfer, and you don’t have to deal with your luggage. It just sits nicely under the bus.

Taxis aren’t an option unless you’re rich because they’re so expensive. A taxi from Narita to central Tokyo will cost you a few hundred dollars!

And the last thing you want to do on a solo trip to Japan is break the bank taking a taxi just because you didn’t plan properly!

The fact that Narita is so far away from central Tokyo also means that you need to be strategic about when you book your flight.

If you land late in the evening or depart early in the morning, you might have an issue. Maybe the buses aren’t running early or late enough or maybe you don’t want to drag your butt out of bed super early or be trying to find your hotel in the dark.

If you’re arriving late or departing early, I highly recommend staying at a hotel near the airport for a night. It’s so much more convenient. I’ve done it before for a flight departing at 11am and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Plus the hotels near Narita are surprisingly affordable. I loved my stay at the Hilton Narita . It was super nice and seemed like it should have costed more than it did.

Most airport hotels offer a bus to and from the hotel, which is super convenient. The hotels say it takes about half an hour to get to the airport. From my experience, it takes about 15, but it’s better to be early than late!

Go to Tokyo Disney on a Tuesday or Wednesday

Tokyo Disney is a must do for any theme park or Disney fan. Heck the theme parks are so well done that even people who hate Disney enjoy them.

Tokyo Disney Resort has two theme parks: Disneyland and DisneySea. DisneySea is the more unique one of the two, but they both have rides you don’t want to miss.

TDR is hugely popular. Not only with tourists but also with Japanese people. This means that it’s always busy. The most popular rides often have wait times between 90 and 180 minutes.

That’s just on a normal day. Not even during the busiest times of year.

So, you definitely need a strategy when going to Tokyo Disney. It may be your only trip, and you want to get the most out of it.

There are way too many tips and tricks about Tokyo Disney to put into this short(ish) blog post. You’ll have to do a deep dive on that on your own. TDR Explorer is a great place to start!

One important tip I will give you is to visit Tokyo Disney on either a Tuesday or Wednesday.

This is when the parks will be the least busy. You’ll be able to get a lot more done on a Tuesday or Wednesday than on the weekend.

Mondays and Thursdays are normally medium busy. I’ve noticed that a lot of the times school groups are filling up the parks on Thursdays leading up to the weekend, and they’re a lot busier than Wednesdays.

Mondays have carryover from people visiting over the weekend. They’re not as busy as a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday but are still quite busy.

So, if you have flexibility in your schedule, try to arrange your trip to Tokyo Disney for the middle of the week. This will give you the best chance at having lower crowds.

Make Sure You Have Health Insurance

Health insurance is an essential part of travel, and you need to make sure you have health insurance that covers your solo trip to Japan.

You may have travel coverage through your work plan. If you do, you just need to make sure it covers the entire duration of your trip. Most policies only cover the first 21 or 30 days of your trip.

If you’re like me and don’t have insurance through your employer, you have two options.

First Option

The first option is perfect for people who are only going abroad for a shorter period of time. This is buying travel insurance from a major company in your home country.

You can normally get insurance through a bank, company that sells house or life insurance, your local healthcare insurer (like Blue Cross), or through a company like AAA or AMA or CAA.

All these places will let you purchase a travel health insurance policy to cover the duration of your trip.

These are normally reasonably affordable. Especially if you’re only gone for a week or two. They offer decent coverage, but they often make it a headache to make a claim.

You can also get a multi-trip policy that covers you for every trip you take abroad in a year as long as the trip is under a certain amount of days. You get to choose the amount of days when you purchase the policy, and they range anywhere from 7 to 60 days.

This is what my retired parents use, what I used when I was a student, and what most casual travellers use.

Second Option

The second option is for long-term travellers and digital nomads. That’s purchasing health insurance through a specialized company that solely provides insurance to travellers.

There are a couple of companies you can get this type of insurance through. I personally use Safety Wing and think they’re the best option you there.

They’re very affordable, have a low deductible, make it easy to make a claim, and even provide you coverage in your home country for 30 days as long as you’ve been abroad for 90 days.

I love the flexibility of Safety Wing and being able to cancel anytime I want. If I’m going to be in Canada for a few months, I can cancel my policy and then reinstate it when I start travelling again. They even let you purchase your insurance while you’re abroad and already on your trip, which is quite rare.

Again, this option is best for people travelling for a long period of time. It’s much cheaper in the long run than the first option and provides better coverage.

Bonus: Try the Melon Fanta (Trust Me)

This may sound like a weird thing to throw into this article but hear me out. The Melon Fanta in Japan is the best soda I’ve ever had. And I’m a soda girlie.

I know. I know. It isn’t healthy, but it just tastes so good!

Melon Fanta is incredible . It’s a bit hard to find in convenience stores, so you may have to order it at a restaurant, but it’s so worth it.

I tell all my friends who go to Japan to try it, and they all love it.

I know it sounds like an odd flavour of soda, but please trust me and try it!

My Favourite Things to do in Japan Alone

Tokyo Disney Resort

Shinjuku Gyoen

Todaiji Temple

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Kiyomizu Temple

Museum of Housing and Living

Universal Studios Japan

Osaka Castle

This article ended up being way longer than I thought it would! I guess I just have a lot to say about taking a solo trip to Japan and being in Japan solo.

Japan is a super unique country and requires a bit more planning and understanding than a lot of other countries. It’s so easy to accidentally offend someone because you don’t know the social norms.

But I hope this article helps you better understand what a solo trip to Japan will be like and how to best prepare for being in Japan solo.

It’s an amazing country, and I have no doubt you’ll love it. Basically everybody does. That’s why it’s so popular!

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The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for First-Timers: From 1 to 3 Weeks

I’ve yet to meet a traveler who didn’t love their time in Japan . It’s just one of those countries that everyone loves. How can you not? The food is carefully crafted and delicious; the history and culture are both rich and long; the landscape breathtaking; and the people super friendly and polite.

Japan remains one of my favorite countries. No matter how long I visit, it’s never enough. I always leave wanting more.

But the country always seems forbidding to many travelers. It definitely still has that “exotic” stereotype that makes people think it’s hard to travel around.

Where should you go? What should you include in your Japan itinerary? Should you buy a JR Pass to help you get around?

To help you out, here are a few suggested itineraries based on my years of visiting that will ensure you see the best sites on your Japan trip — as well as get off the beaten path and get a real sense of Japanese culture!

Table of Contents

Japan Itinerary: Know Before You Go

Japan itinerary: one week, japan itinerary: two weeks, japan itinerary: three weeks.

Just be sure to get one BEFORE you go as you cannot purchase them on arrival. For more information on the pass, including how much they cost and how you can get one, read this blog post . It has everything you need to know!

Mobile Data in Japan In Japan, English isn’t widely spoken (especially outside of the major cities) so having access to the internet is vital for checking addresses, using translation apps, and looking up things to see and do. The easiest way to get data is through an international eSIM for Japan .

An eSIM allows you to access mobile data via a QR code so you can have internet wherever you are, without worrying about physical SIM cards or roaming charges. This will save you a lot of time and hassle when using apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, Instagram, and YouTube. It will also come in handy for checking menus at restaurants (since they are rarely in english).  

Day 1 & 2: Tokyo Chances are you’ll be starting your trip in Tokyo , since it’s home to the country’s biggest international airport. If your trip is seven days long, activate your JR Pass right away, so that you can take advantage of the free JR trains that run through the city.

While you could easily spend your entire week in Tokyo and not get bored, here are some of the highlights:

Visit the fish market – Toyosu is the world’s largest fish market. The daily auction here powers much of the world’s sushi supply, and it is truly an absolute must-see! You can go for free, but food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 14,500 JPY.

See Sensoji Temple – Sensoji is beautifully painted and sits in a scenic spot near a five-story pagoda and the famous Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. It’s always busy but is worth seeing with your own eyes. The temple is free to visit.

Drink in Golden Gai – This alleyway of back-street bars is a lively place to drink at night and has a bit of a red-light-district feel to it. It is not to be missed. Even if you don’t drink, be sure to wander about. Arigato Tours offers tours of the area where you’ll learn about the neighborhood while stopping to sample Japanese classics like sushi, yakitori, and ramen. Tours are 23,900 JPY and include a drink and dishes at four food stops.

Visit the Imperial Palace – The home of the emperor of Japan was built in the 15th century, and while you can’t go inside, the palace and its grounds are a peaceful place for a stroll.

Watch a sumo match – If you’re in town at the right time, this is a must-do . Tickets sell out quickly, so book early. Expect to pay around 11,000-13,000 JPY.

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Kamakura to see the giant Buddha statue (Daibutsu). It is over 13 meters (42 feet) tall and dates back to the 13th century. The journey is around 90 minutes each way — and free with the JR Pass !

For delicious food, some of my favorite bars and restaurants include: Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (Standing Sushi Bar), Nemuro Hanamaru KITTE Marunouchi, Motodane, Tokyo Whisky Library, Ichiran Shibuya, and Uohama.

WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO : Hostel Chapter Two – A small, family-run hostel not far from Skytree Station in Asakusa. I really like the shared kitchen and common room, as there’s a real social feel to them.

With its beauty come lots of crowds though, so try to visit outside of the busy summer months. Even with lots of tourists, though, the city is still magnificent and has a lot to offer. Some things to see and do that you shouldn’t miss are the following:

Visit the Golden Pavilion – This famous (and picturesque) temple dates to the 1950s, when a monk burned down the previous temple (from the 14th century) while trying to commit suicide. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most-visited destinations in the country!

Explore Gion – Gion is the historic geisha district. Stroll along the main street and see ochaya s (teahouses where geishas entertain), the small shops, and the many restaurants that line the district’s streets. You can take a walking tour of Gion for 1,800 JPY.

Wander in the Bamboo Forest – For a relaxing break, head to Arashiyama and let the calm swaying of the forest envelop you. Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. Arrive early if you want to enjoy it without the crowds. Kyoto Bike Tours offers an early-bird bike tour for a guided way to do just that.

Admire Ryoan-ji temple – This is my favorite temple in Kyoto. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a mausoleum that houses the remains of seven emperors. The traditional rock and sand garden is considered one of the best in the country.

For a half-day trip, you can also visit Nara. It’s a small city just one hour from Kyoto. Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth century, so there are lots of buildings and temples here that are upwards of a thousand years old (which is rare in Japan, due to fires, as well as World War II). But the real draw in Nara are the deer.

Since the 17th century, those in and around the city have been considered sacred. You can buy crackers to feed them or just watch them stroll around carefree. A guided half-day walking tour that includes all of Nara’s highlights as well as a traditional lunch is 11,500 JPY.

While you’re here, don’t miss a visit to Todai-ji. It’s the world’s largest wooden building and is home to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was built in 738 CE and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is 600 JPY.

WHERE TO STAY IN KYOTO : Backpacker Hostel K’s House – A fun, social backpacker hostel in a great central location. The rooftop terrace is a cool spot to hangout and meet other travelers after a day of exploring.

Don’t miss Osaka Castle though. While it’s not the original (this version dates to 1931), it’s nevertheless an impressive sight. It’s home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque city views.

And be sure to stroll down Dotonbori (ideally at night), the main street, which is lined with restaurants, stores, and tons of neon lights and signs. A guided walking tour that includes Dotonbori as well adjacent neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY.

Today, Hiroshima is thriving . Don’t miss the Atomic Bomb Museum, which depicts the history of the city before and after that fateful day. It has photos, artifacts, videos, and information about the effect of radiation on the population. It’s a sobering experience but one that should not be missed.

If you feel like getting out of town afterward, head to Miyajima , an island that offers a place to hike and enjoy nature. You can also take a cable car to the peak of the mountain to take in the view. A one-way ferry ride to the island takes 10 minutes and is free to JR Pass holders.

WHERE TO STAY IN HIROSHIMA : Roku Hostel – A cozy, small hostel with a rustic atmosphere and design. It feels like you’re staying with a friend here, and the beds are super comfy too.

If you like history, don’t miss the Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village, home to a collection of traditional thatch-roof houses that you can enter to further immerse yourself in the country’s past.

This city (and region, really) is famous for its Hida beef, a high-fat variety that’s even better than any A5 Wagyu you might have. It just melts in your mouth. Be sure to have some while you are here!

The Japanese Alps are not far from here as well, so if you love hiking and want to extend your time in the region, head to Kamikochi for a day hike or overnight trip. It’s just an hour away and has both easy and moderate trails, which are open from April to November. Hiking trails can also be found in Hakusan National Park (also just one hour away by car).

One of the more unique temples in Japan is here too: Ninja (Myoryuji) Temple. While the temple wasn’t home to actual ninjas, Myoryuji was built as a defensive structure (strict laws forbade local lords from building defenses, so they were hidden in the temple to circumvent the rules). These include hidden rooms, secret tunnels, and a maze of staircases and halls to confuse enemies.

If you need a break from exploring cities, Hakusan National Park, home to Mount Haku, one of the three holy mountains, is just an hour south of town.

If you’re here in April, there are incredible cherry blossom displays that are famous in the region. And, just like Takayama, Matsumoto is close to the Japanese Alps, so you’re just a stone’s throw from some of the best hiking in the country.

There are tons of hotels (both modern and traditional) that have their own hot springs (often both indoors and outdoors). It’s the perfect place to wrap up a trip, relax, and take in the views.

In addition to getting a copious amount of R&R, be sure to ride the cable car up the mountain for even more amazing views. The area is surrounded by craters from an inactive volcano that erupted 80,000 years ago (not to be confused with nearby Mount Fuji, which is an active volcano), and you’ll find lots of vendors at the top selling eggs cooked in the sulfurous waters. It’s said the eggs prolong one’s life by seven years, so feel free to give them a try!

If you prefer to hike up instead, the trail is open between July and September, with the trek taking anywhere from 5 to 12 hours, depending on your level of fitness. Typically, hikers leave at night in order to arrive at the summit by dawn. There are little shops along the way that sell food and even beds you can rent in advance if you want to split your journey up. Just make sure you do your research and prepare in advance as it’s a tough hike!

If you really want to play tourist, you can also ride a mock pirate ship around the lake for more views of the mountains, and Mount Fuji in particular.

Full-day tours around Hakone that include all the main sights cost 14,800 JPY.

WHERE TO STAY IN HAKONE : Hotel Green Plaza – With gorgeous views of Mount Fuji, a huge buffet dinner (with both Western and Japanese options), and a private onsen where you can relax and enjoy the view, this is one of the best places to stay in Hakone if you want value but don’t want to break the bank.  

Using the suggestions above, here’s how I would organize your itinerary:

• Days 1-3 : Tokyo
• Day 4 : Mount Fuji or Hakone
• Day 5 : Takayama
• Days 6 & 7 : Kanazawa
• Days 8 & 9 : Matsumoto
• Days 10-12 : Kyoto
• Days 13 & 14 : Osaka
• Days 15 & 16 : Hiroshima

If you do want to spend a few hours in Hakodate, don’t miss the Morning Market, where you can find lots of fresh seafood. You can also visit Fort Goryokaku, the first “Western”-style fort in the country.

Be sure to stop in at the local Beer Museum too, owned by Sapporo Breweries (the oldest beer company in the country). It showcases the history of beer in Japan and how the business got its start. If you’re a whiskey fan, stop by The Bow Bar, home to some rare (and expensive) whiskeys and considered one of the best such bars in the world.

What I love about the city is its location. This region has some of the best hiking in the country. There are plenty of hills and mountains, offering options for both day hikes as well as overnight trips. Some highlights include Mount Me-akan, Mount Asahim, Mount Mashu, and Nishibetsu-dake. For the best views of the city, head to Mount Moiwayama. It’s just a 30-60-minute hike to the top, though there is a cable car you can take as well.

And if you’re visiting in the winter, hit the slopes! There are over a hundred ski resorts in Hokkaido. You can rent skis (or a snowboard) for around 10,000-18,000 JPY. Lift prices are usually 4,000-6,000 JPY per day. In the winter, don’t miss the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. It’s held every February and draws over two million visitors. There are ice sculptures, igloos, live music, and delicious local foods on offer.

Additionally, be sure to take a day trip to Otaru, where you’ll find some of the freshest uni in the whole country (this is the main area where the famed Hokkaido uni is caught). Go hungry and visit the markets, stalls, and shops around there.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAPPORO : Waya Hostel – This is a laid-back, colorful hostel with a social atmosphere that makes meeting people a breeze. It has a homey, DIY feel and is perfect for budget travelers looking for a no-frills place to crash.

There is a ton to see and do in Japan , and you could easily spend another month here and still just scratch the surface (we didn’t even get to Okinawa and the islands!). And while these itineraries are a bit fast-paced, Japan isn’t cheap, so budget travelers need to move around the country quickly to avoid breaking the bank.

But no matter how long you visit, you won’t be disappointed. Japan is an amazing, beautiful, and unique destination that I never get tired of visiting. While it’s not as affordable as its neighbors, there are still plenty of ways to save money , and it’s definitely worth spending the time (and money) visiting. You won’t be disappointed!

Just make sure to get your Japan Rail Pass before you go!  

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Looking for More Travel Tips for Japan? Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money; information on costs; tips on what to see and do; suggested itineraries, reading, and packing lists; and much, much more!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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One Week in Japan: Best Itinerary for Your First Visit

Home » Blog » Japan » One Week in Japan: Best Itinerary for Your First Visit

Plan the Japan trip of a lifetime through Kyoto, Hakone (and Mount Fuji!), Osaka, and of course, Tokyo. Follow this 1 week Japan itinerary, and you’ll get a taste of the country’s culture, food, cities and landscapes, and you’ll leave craving more!

To be completely honest, one week in Japan is such a short amount of time to visit this incredibly diverse and interesting country. You could easily spend months exploring the small villages and tiny islands off the coast of the country and still not see it all.

But if you’re like us and your schedule only allows you a week in Japan, we’ve got you covered with the top things to see on your first trip to the “Land of the Rising Sun”. 

A week is short, yes, but it’s enough time to give you a taste of the culture, the food, the modern cities and the iconic landscapes that will make you fall in love.

We’re laying out a perfect one week Japan itinerary, which is packed with some major highlights, making it great for anyone visiting Japan for the first time . This itinerary covers the following highlights:

• Kyoto : culture, food, temples, history, cooking class
• Hakone: Mount Fuji, onsen, villages, nature
• Tokyo : nightlife, architecture, food, pop culture
• Osaka : street food, nightlife, hip neighborhoods

We have a feeling that after a week of exploring the best of Japan, you’ll fall hard for this country and start plotting a return trip even before you leave the country! (We certainly did!)

Japan 1 Week Itinerary at a glance

Use these jumps to navigate to a specific day, or keep scrolling to read the full itinerary. 

Day 1: Arrive in Japan & make your way to Kyoto

Day 2: highlights of kyoto, day 3: explore more of kyoto, day 4: travel to hakone, day 5: morning in hakone, tokyo at night, day 6: jigokudani yaen-koen snow monkey park, nagano , day 7: highlights of tokyo, day 8: meiji shrine and fly home (via osaka or tokyo).

Good to know: This itinerary packs a lot in and can feel a bit rushed. We think this would be ideally spread across 8-10 days. But if you’re like us, and want to see as much as possible in a short time, this itinerary will do the trick!

Other contents:

• Have more or less time?
• Done-for-you Japan itinerary
• What to pack for Japan
• More Japan travel resources

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, we have the ultimate resource for you!

This  FREE   PDF download  includes  everything  you’re going to want to pack for your Japan trip, including what NOT to bring, plus tons of insider tips!

Sign up for our  ultimate Japan packing list  now and get a copy sent straight to your inbox.

Welcome to Japan! Your adventure is about to begin…

Before we get to the fun stuff — aka things to do and what to eat! — let’s talk logistics.

It’s likely that some of the cheapest flights to Japan you’ll find are to Osaka, and this is where we begin our itinerary. (If you fly into Narita International Airport in Tokyo, simply adjust your days to suit your travel plans.)

• The best part of flying into Osaka Kansai Airport: It’s cheap.
• Worst part: It’s on an island, so it takes about 30-45 minutes by train to Osaka city center.

Plan to stay in Osaka at the beginning or end of your trip, as your time allows. We have things to do in Osaka detailed on the last day of your trip to Japan, however you can explore this exciting city as soon as you arrive and alter your dates accordingly.

Have a bit more time in Osaka? Why not do a day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima to check out the highlights? As a bonus, it’s even covered in your J-Rail Pass!

If, like us, you choose to save Osaka for the end of your Japan trip, plan to take an express train to Kyoto as soon as you land .

Your first night in Kyoto can be spent adjusting to jet lag and wandering around the neighborhoods. If you’re hungry, pop into a ramen shop and fill your grumbling belly with noodles that are infinitely better than the dried packet kind.

Where to stay in Kyoto 

The Southern Higashiyama area is a good area to base yourself in during your time in Kyoto. We stayed at Santiago Guesthouse ( a great option for budget-conscious travelers! ) and really enjoyed the location and clean rooms. Plus, you can’t beat the price.

Luxury hotel: Hotel Granvia Kyoto

This 5-star hotel has everything, from an indoor swimming pool to a restaurant and bar to a spa. You can’t beat this location. Perfect for the business traveler or a splurging couple. 

Couples stay/mid-range budget: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi

Incredible location steps away from the Kyoto Rail Station. Each room has a plasma TV and free WiFi. Perfect spot to base from if you are exploring the city with your hunny. 

Budget-friendly/social atmosphere: Piece Hostel Kyoto

Awesome location, modern common areas, privates and dorms available, rooftop garden. Great place to meet other travelers.

Note: If you’re following this itinerary exactly, you’ll need to book 3 nights in Kyoto. 

This gem of a city has enough history that you could spend a month here and still not see everything. 

Insider Tip: Get an all-day bus card for only 500 yen at your hostel (or directly on the bus) for the easiest and cheapest way to see the city.

Make your way west to the Arashiyama area and explore the old town . Walk through the magical Arashiyama bamboo grove (must-do while in Kyoto!). 

And if you have time, try to catch a glimpse of the monkeys at Kameyama-koen Park . Grab lunch at one of the many noodle shops lining the street.

In the late-afternoon, head north by bus to Kinkaku-ji, the famous Golden Temple . Time it so you’ll be there at sunset. It’s always busy so just bear with the crowds and enjoy the views. Once you have your fill, head back into town for dinner.

After dinner, walk the traditional Pontocho Alley and hunt for geishas. Keep your eyes peeled, because they scurry quickly between the restaurants and will vanish before you can blink.

Wake up early and head south to the Fushimi Inari Shrine , famous for its orange gates. To get there take the JR Nara Line to JR Inari Station. Once you leave the station, you’ll be able to see the entrance to the shrine.

This place gets incredibly packed, so the earlier the better. Get lost taking pictures. If you want to get away from the crowds, head up the hill a little ways where you can get a picture without other tourists obscuring your shot. 

For the afternoon, consider taking a cooking class at Cooking Sun School . There are many class options but we would recommend the sushi making class.

Travel back to the city of Kyoto and explore the Nishiki Market near downtown. Try the octopus balls (it’s not what you think).

At Sunset, take the short hike up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple for a great view over the city. Then as the sun is setting, walk through the Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka – streets that have been preserved and feel as though you’ve traveled back in time.

Using your JR Pass , travel via Shinkansen (bullet train) to Odawara and grab a Hakone Free Pass for 4000 yen. Travel by bus into the Hakone region and stay in one of the many ryokan style guesthouses .

We stayed at Fuji-Hakone Guest House , which was one of the most affordable in the area. 

If you are daring and want a real cultural experience, try visiting an onsen — a Japanese-style bath house. Just keep in mind, bathing suits are not allowed!

The town of Hakone is known for having several onsens, so you’ll have an array to choose from. Try one that is outdoors, and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to glimpse Mount Fuji! 

Typically, onsens are separated by gender, but many guesthouses in the area have private ones that you can have all to yourself.

We took a steamy dip in the private onsen at Fuji-Hakone Guest House , and relaxed with wine as snowflakes fell all around us. Pretty magical.

In the afternoon, use your Hakone Free Pass and hop on a bus to the cable car to get a glimpse of Mt. Fuji (hopefully you’ll have better weather than we did!).

At the top of the cable car don’t forget to try the black eggs. Legend has it that if you eat one, you’ll add 7 years to your life.

Head back to have dinner at a local restaurant and relax in an onsen to close out the night.

Where to stay in Hakone

Luxury hotel: Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU

Peace and harmony. Traditional and Japanese style rooms available with some having an open-air bath on the balcony overlooking the mountains. Spa and onsen on-site. Pure luxury. 

Couples stay/mid-range budget: Fuji-Hakone Guest House

Lovely staff, Japanese style ryokan rooms, close to everything in town, and an on-site private onsen you can reserve with your sweetie. 

Budget-friendly/social atmosphere: K’s House Hakone – Onsen Hostel

A little ways out of Hakone town, but close to public transport so no worries. On-site onsen and nice social areas with free WiFi.

If you are following this itinerary exactly, you’ll just need to book one night in Hakone. If you have more time and want to stay longer, we have lots of ideas for fun things to do in Hakone .

Head to Togendai to get another picturesque glance at Mt. Fuji while on Lake Ashi. This is probably the cheesiest boat ride in the world , but have fun with it! It’s a nice way to take in the landscape (and it’s included in the Hakone Free Pass).

Get off at the first stop, Hakone-machi Port and walk northeast heading towards Moto-hakone Port. Follow the road, but keep to the hillside and walk through the stunning Cedar Tree Forest .

From Moto-hakone Port, travel back to Odawara and then on to Tokyo via JR Rail later that afternoon.

Once you arrive in Tokyo, take the subway to your hotel or hostel. We recommend staying in the Shinjuku or Shibuya area , but if you’re looking for more info (and specific hotel recommendations!), we have a whole guide to the best places to stay in Tokyo .

Budget Tip: AirBnB is a great way to save some money while staying in Tokyo.

How to stay connected in Tokyo

Make use of all the places in Tokyo that have free Wi-Fi or rent a pocket Wi-Fi , because you do not want to be stuck in the technology capital of the world without internet access…like us.

A Pocket WiFi device allows you to bring a hotspot with you wherever you go so you can search for directions, get train schedules or look up restaurants in the area. Plus, you can connect up to 10 devices, which makes it superior to a SIM card, in our opinion. And they are pretty cheap to get, check out some prices . 

Psst! Figure out which method is best for you to get service with our detailed guide to staying connected in Japan . 

Where to stay in Tokyo

Luxury hotel: Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo

Stay in comfort with plush, spacious rooms and top end amenities. You can’t beat the location near Tokyo Station that gives you access to the entire city. Perfect for a business trip or a honeymoon splurge. 

Couples stay/mid-range budget: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza

Great proximity to Tokyo Station, free WiFi and plasma TV screens in all rooms, on-site restaurant and massage services.

Budget-friendly/social atmosphere: CITAN Hostel

Located in the heart of the city, this award winning hostel has private and dorm rooms available, on-site restaurant, shared kitchen, and free WiFi in all rooms. A great place to meet other travelers in Tokyo.

Planning to book on Airbnb? We have loads of info on how to book with Airbnb , including red flags to watch out for when booking, and our favorite Airbnbs around the world. 

Note: If you are following this itinerary exactly, you’ll need to book 3 nights in Tokyo.

Using your JR Pass , travel to Nagano from Tokyo in the morning. From Nagano station, walk to the local station, Nagano Dentetsu station. Then take the Yudanaka line to Yudanaka station.

From there, hop on a bus to the entrance of the Jigokudani Monkey Park . The walk into the park may take 30 minutes, but if you’re anything like us, it may be longer in order to take pictures of this fairytale forest. 

Spend the whole morning just monkeying around. This was one of our favorite things to do in Japan !

Head back to Tokyo in the afternoon and make your way to the Shibuya Crossing—the busiest intersection in the world. Climb up to the Starbucks across from the train station to get a great view.

Before you turn in, check out our list of the coolest things to do in Tokyo at night (including options if you’re not a night owl!).

Helpful resource: If you find yourself in Tokyo and are in need of going to the doctor, Healthy Tokyo can help you find an English speaking doctor. You can browse their site to find other resources for staying healthy while traveling in Japan, like where to work out and where to find healthy food. 

Travel via metro and hit some of the major spots in the city. Check out our huge list of things to do in Tokyo to help you plan your time in this overwhelming, yet addictive, city!

Insider Tip: The easiest and cheapest way to travel throughout Tokyo is to get a Toei Line All Day Pass. You can use this pass on any Toei metro or bus lines in the city.

In the morning, head to Tokyo Tower , just off the subway stop at Akabanebashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line. 

After you get some cool pictures, enjoy a sushi lunch at the Tsukiji Fish Market (Toei Oedo Line Tsukijishijo Station). Make sure you get there early, because most of the restaurants close before noon. You will find some of the best and freshest sushi of your life ! We still dream about it.

After lunch, head to Sensoji Temple and check out the massive red paper lantern at the Thunder Gate .

Later in the afternoon, head to teamLAB PLANETS and lose yourself in this immersive art experience.

• Location:  teamLab PLANETS Tokyo , Toyosu 6-1-16, Koto-ku, Tokyo
• Hours:  Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday and holidays, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Entrance fee:  3,200 Yen for adults (~$23 USD) 

Helpful tip: If you are flying in and out of the Tokyo region (instead of Osaka, like we did), this article breaks down how to get to the city from Narita Airport .

Before making your way out of Tokyo, visit Meiji Shrine . Although it’s just a few stops outside of the bustling center, you’ll feel like you’ve ventured out of the city and into nature.

Breathe the fresh air and wander the wide paths lined by towering trees as you make your way through the woodsy temple. If it happens to be a weekend, you’ll likely see a traditional wedding ceremony.

Plan to fly out of Tokyo later that day, or head back to Osaka via JR Shinkansen to catch your flight home.

If time allows, wander around the Dōtonbori Area in Osaka and try Okonomiyaki – also known as Japanese pizza. This area is a foodie haven, so come hungry!

If you are spending the night, be sure to check out this guide that goes over where to stay in Osaka .

Absolute BEST Things to do in Kyoto

Exciting Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

Fun Things to Do in Osaka, Japan

Have more or less time? What to add or cut from this Japan itinerary

Traveling for less than one week in Japan?

If you have less than one week, we’d recommend choosing to visit either Kyoto and Osaka, OR Tokyo and Hakone. There is simply not enough time to see them all without feeling too rushed. 

Traveling for more than one week in Japan?

There is so much to see and do in Japan . If we had to choose one city to spend more time in, it would be Kyoto. Take another few days there and possibly try out an onsen.

If you still have extra days, you could slow down your travels even more, plan some day trips from Tokyo , or head to another region altogether. Renting a car is a great way to get off the beaten track. And driving in Japan is easier than you probably think!

We have more ideas to help you plan your time in our guide to how many days to spend in Japan .

Want the perfect itinerary planned for you? 

If you don’t have a ton of time to spend planning (or you just don’t find travel planning fun!), we’re working on something you might be interested in… 

We are in the process of creating  done-for-you Japan itineraries  that are packed full of all sorts of tips we’ve gathered from 3 trips we’ve personally taken, as well as literally hundreds of hours of research (no exaggeration). 

We will have both off-the-beaten path routes as well as a classic itinerary that hits the top attractions. If you want to be the first to know when these itineraries are on sale,  get on the waitlist !

What to pack for traveling to Japan

We know it can be overwhelming packing for a trip to a new destination. That’s why we spent hours creating these super helpful guides full of packing hacks and tips for traveling in Japan that you won’t find anywhere else:

• Our Japan packing guide lists all the essentials (many of which you might not think about), as well as what you should NOT pack for a trip to Japan.
• This article on what to wear in Japan will help you create a perfect capsule wardrobe for every season and let you in on some cultural taboos so you can be sure to dress appropriately.
• With this FREE Japan packing list PDF download , we’ll send checklists straight to your inbox for everything from clothing and toiletries (for both women and men!) to what shoes to pack and extra stuff you may want to have on-hand just in case. Click the image below to get your free copy!

More resources for traveling in Japan

We have TONS of resources on travel in Japan and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Ultimate Japan Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below!

• Best Time to Visit Japan: When to Go & When to Avoid
• Japan Rail Pass: Where to Buy & Is It Worthwhile?
• Renting a Car in Japan: Essential Driving Tips You Need to Know!
• Japan Travel Cost: Exactly How Much is a Trip to Japan?
• Japan on a Budget: Money-Saving Tips + Free Things to Do
• Japan Pocket Wifi vs. Japanese SIM Card: Review & Comparison
• Best Japan Travel Apps
• Foods to Eat in Japan: Guide to Japanese Cuisine
• Expert Tips for Visiting Japan (Dos and Dont’s!)
• Japan Trip Planner: Everything You Need to Know For Your First Visit
• Helpful Japanese Words & Phrases to Know for Traveling in Japan

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We want to hear from you!

Are you ready to book your flights yet!? What’s the most exciting part of this one week in Japan itinerary for you? Leave us a question or a comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!

Comments (72) on “ One Week in Japan: Best Itinerary for Your First Visit ”

Hi, wondering if you would recommend staying at Yamanouchi and trying the onsens during a visit to the snow monkeys or would those 2 days be better of staying in another location with ryokan with onsens and just visiting the snow monkeys on a day trip? just not sure how much there is to see and places to eat/drink around Yamanouchi. thank you.

great content, I enjoyed reading it very much, I look forward to more of your articles

Great blog! I am planning to travel solo to Japan. kindly share your thoughts on solo traveling through Japan and the experience of doing a homestay with a Japanese family

I’m planning a one year anniversary trip for my husband and I and we absolutely love this post! Thank you for all the great info! I was wondering, what is the best time of year to go to Japan? And by best I mean most affordable time to go where we can still see everything without missing out!

I am looking at your itinerary and I feel a little silly asking but I wanted to check.

You spent 2 nights in Kyoto 1 night in Hakone 2 nights in Tokyo and then how many nights in Osaka?

Please let me know! 🙂

Hi! I’ve just booked my trip to Japan and I’m really excited! I’m following your route and a big thank you! Just wondering, do I definitely need the JR Pass? Im flying to Osaka and home from Tokyo and wondering will it be cheaper to buy the tickets to Kyoto, Hakone and Tokyo from the stations? Thanks, and best wishes from Ireland!

Hi Leigh, sounds like you have a great trip planned in Japan! What we usually tell people is the JR Pass is cheaper than buying a round trip ticket from Kyoto to Tokyo and back. Since you’re only going one way, it might be cheaper to buy the tickets individually. But you do have to factor in the costs from Osaka Airport and the side trip to Hakone, so it might be a wash.

You can use Hyperdia to find the times and costs of each leg of your trip and then compare it to the cost of a JR Pass. Just remember, with the JR Pass, you get to ride in the Shinkansen bullet trains, which are not only really nice, they get you to where you want to be faster. Where if you buy them individually those trains might not be available. Please let us know what you choose, we’re curious what you find out. Hope this helps.

Hi there! Really enjoy your travel blog, great tips! We’re going to Japan mid March. From Kyoto, we’re traveling to Fijikawaguchiko for two nights, and then to Tokyo. Would love advice on how to get from Kyoto to F! We’ll be using our JR passes..hopefully!

Hi Linda, we recommend using the website Hyperdia to find the best routes for the JR Pass. It will show you the options for times and dates between the two cities. Let me know if you have any more questions.

I really like your trip. Because your trip is very interesting and very enjoyable for me. I am also interested in Japan because you are due. Thank you for sharing your experience.

You are very welcome Clara! Enjoy your trip planning for Japan!

Thank you! I am just starting to research my trip and I hadn’t thought of flying into Kyoto and out of Tokyo. I will book that now. Can’t wait to take advantage of your other tips once I’m there.

Quick question– if you had to choose between Kyoto and Hakone, which would it be? I plan on visiting Tokyo and just one other city so I am deciding between those two.

Thanks again!

Hi Manali, there is plenty to do in both cities, but we would choose Kyoto if it is your first time to Japan. There are so many things to do in Kyoto that you can’t miss. That’s just our opinion, hope that helps.

Got our JR passes, hopped a flight to Osaka and now on the train to Kyoto. Using your itinerary as our guide. Soooooo excited to be here. Thanks for all the great ideas and tips! Rori and Jake Miller Colorado USA

So happy to hear that Rori and Jake! I bet it is a beautiful time of year to be there too! Enjoy — we’d love to hear what you think!

Also went to a baseball game in Osaka and to the sumo wrestler practice stable to watch them practice. Amazing additions to an already incredible itinerary!

Awesome Rori! Thanks for the additional tips!

Thanks for the great post. We followed this for our recent 8 day trip, it was perfect!

Hey Sumana, That’s wonderful to hear! Glad you like it!

Great post. I’ve been to most of these places and agree with your suggestions. The JR pass is so crucial and a great bargain to be able to get around the country. I find your blog very inspirational. Great work!

Thanks a lot Jimmy! You’re right, the JR Pass is a must buy when traveling to Japan.

These are some great tips! A lot of people find Tokyo so daunting that they never even venture outside the city limits, but I’m glad you did! One of the best things I’ve ever done in Japan was a little outside of Tokyo. It was through a tour company called Japango–they basically set you up with a Japanese local ‘friend-guide’ to show you some of the things most tourists would miss on their own. The tour that I did was one where we got to harvest our own tea leaves, and it was by far the most memorable experience of my stay. Everyone knows Japan is famous for tea, but to go out into the plantations and actually see where some of the world’s highest quality tea comes from? Simply amazing. I recommend it to all my friends, so check it out if you’re interested. (their English site is japango-em2.com)

Hey Christopher, thanks for the tip – that sounds like such an incredible experience. We’ll definitely have to check them out next time we’re in Japan! Cheers!

Great post, nice and easy read and very informative. One thing I was going to add is that you can now buy the JR pass when you enter Japan in certain stations/airports it is just roughly 10-20 % more than buying in advance, which is a pain but if you’re doing this trip last minute and aren’t terribly organized (like myself) it’s a god sent. This has only been in effect since early March 2017.

Cheers, Rachel

Hey Rachel, thanks for the kind words. Thanks for pointing it out – We just found that out as well. Our contact at Japan Rail said it is in a trial period for the next year, so it’ll be interesting to see if people utilize this. Definitely, a good thing for some, as you mentioned 🙂

We recently created a post that explains exactly how to purchase a JR pass, and we included that info in that article.

Thanks again for stopping by. We hope you have/had a wonderful time in Japan!

Thank you for sharing your itinerary as this helped me plan our trip to Japan where we did so many of the things you mention here. I’ve decided to start a blog as well to share some of these adventures and insights with others. Topics discussed are how I’ve been eating sushi wrong all my life, Japanese obsession with toilets and exploring the Kit Kat store.

Thanks for sharing Mark.

Katie, I love your blog! I found it while trying to search must do/sees for Jeju and Japan I’m doing a 3 week trip(haven’t had a vacation in a long time!) to South Korea and Japan April end to May middle. I just subscribed, but I love everything about this. I have a blog myself, do you mind if I mention your blog when I’m writing during/after my trip?

Hi Priya, Thanks for your kind words! Of course you can mention us on your blog! Have a great trip!

So great reading your post! My husband and I are planning a trip to Japan in May and this itinerary has given me a lot of inspiration! When you stayed in the Santiago Guest House -or any guest house for that matter, do you stay in a mixed gender dorm? Or do you usually try to get a separate room together? It looked like Santiago was similar to a hostel which I didn’t mind when I was single, but I’d much prefer to spend my vacation with my husband! Thanks!

Hi Jenny, thanks for the kind words. What a great time to visit Japan (after the crowds of Cherry Blossoms but before the summer heat!).

I totally know what you mean about getting private rooms when you’re with your guy! We love meeting other travelers, so we like staying in hostels occasionally (for the common spaces to mingle). We prefer the private rooms to dorms now that we’re married, and have found that most hostels do actually have privates (some have shared bathrooms, and others are ensuite and just as nice as a hotel but usually cheaper and with a kitchen, common space, etc.).

During our trip in Japan we stayed in all private rooms except for at Santiago. (Though I do believe they offer privates as well – they were just sold out by the time we booked). There are many cute guesthouses in Kyoto with private rooms, so I would recommend looking around a bit if that’s what you prefer. We love Agoda for finding accommodation in Asia:

https://www.agoda.com/?cid=1740060

I hope this is helpful. Have an amazing time in Japan. Let us know how it goes!

Hey Katie, My wife and I are traveling to Japan for 2 weeks, but we will be spending considerably more time in Tokyo. I understand traveling on a budget, esp for Japan, but I plan to eat all that I can, what is something you would recommend eating? Are they strict with tattoos in the Onsen? What is your strategy for navigating trains/buses? We have travel experience, but this will be our first Asian country… Thanks -Andrew

Hi Andrew, how exciting that you’ll be going to Japan so soon! Some onsens are strict about tattoos, but many of the onsens in Tokyo are much more lenient. Tattoos are becoming increasingly popular in Japan, so it’s getting more acceptable in the bigger cities.

And for your other question… Eat ALL the food. Haha! We traveled on a budget, but certainly didn’t hold back much when it came to eating. We have a whole article dedicated to Japanese Food.

Fresh sushi is a must. There’s a ton of ramen shops to explore that are especially good in the colder months. Unagi is amazing. You could even try taking a cooking class!

In the comment at the bottom of that post, someone suggested some other foods that we’re itching to try the next time we make it to Japan!

Have a great time – I have a feeling you’ll love Asia 😉

Suuuuper random question here… I’m going to Japan for the first time in March (cherry blossom season!) but I am TERRIFIED of earthquakes. I keep hearing they have many and are due for a "big one". Did you feel any rumblings on your visit there? I think they are prepared in most ways but still… super scary.

Hey Elizabeth, that’s a great question! We didn’t feel any rumblings when we were in Japan. In most of the big cities, they are very prepared, and the chance of anything happening while you are there are very slim, so try not to let it scare you too much.

That said, I know that fear isn’t always rational, and sometimes you just can’t get something out of your head 🙂 I think everyone knows this feeling!

You’ll be there during such a beautiful time, and I hope you have a blast! Let us know how it goes – we’d love to see pictures!

Thank you so much for your reply! I probably just need to chill and enjoy myself 🙂

I’m glad to hear you guys didn’t feel anything…that makes me feel better. Well photography is my passion so I’m super excited to photograph Japan! Feel free to look me up on Instagram (@carterelizabeth) at the beginning of April and you will see my over-sharing! Haha 😉

So happy I found your page…I’ve already been adding places to my list thanks to your article!

Hi again Elizabeth, we started following your Instagram – you have an amazing feed! Can’t wait to see pictures from Japan this spring! Have the BEST time!

Thank u for the useful information!

Happy to be helpful! Thanks for the comment, Serena! WE hope you stop by again. Wishing you very happy travels!

Hi I will traveling between osaka, kyoto, nara & kobe. Do I still need to purchase JR pass?

If you’re just traveling around the kansai area I suggest you get the Kansai Thru Pass instead of the JR pass.

Hi Serena, If you are just traveling a limited amount of time and are only staying in the Osaka/Kyoto region, it is possible to purchase a regional rail pass instead of the whole Japan 7-day JR Pass. They may even have 2- or 3-day tickets to make it cheaper.

I like your blog post. It’s short and sweet but contains important info that I need.

Thanks so much for the nice words. I’m so glad it was helpful!

I think this is a perfect tour of Japan. I lived there last year and was looking for a bit of a nostalgic kick <3 You certainly hit the nail on the head!!!

The only thing I might recommend to add is a quick visit to the Rabbit Island, called Okunoshima- It’s located between Hiroshima and Osaka. I had such a wonderful time there feeding and petting the little fellas. I managed to go to every major animal attraction there was in Japan, from Nara Deer Park to the Fox Sanctuary in Sendai.

Hey Cassy, Thanks for the additional tip! We heard of Rabbit Island but we couldn’t make it there in just 8 days in Japan.

Hey I’m planning a trip to Tokyo and the Philippeans in Feb. We’ve only got 3 days in Tokyo, and are pretty flexible when it comes to what to do. As long as we get to experience some good food, we’re easy. Do you have any definite ‘must sees’ for our short time there? Thanks!

Hey Laura, lucky you! You get to see 2 great destinations! I think 3 days in Tokyo will be a good amount of time. Yes, you could always spend much more time there, but you’ll get a really good taste of the city!

I would say to definitely get to the Tsukiji fish market (as early as you can) to have a sushi breakfast. Some other notable stops are: Sensoji Temple, Shibuya crossing (busiest intersection in the world), Meji temple is cool and feels like you’re far from the city.

And just eat ALL the food! February is a great time for noodle shops! An onsen visit could be fun too! And if you’re up for something kind of quirky, the Robot restaurant show is a fun night out!

Good luck and have a great time! Oh, and if you’re looking for ideas in the Philippines, we have a TON of info on it

Great details and pictures! I spent 15 days in Japan last April and loved every bit of it!

Japan certainly is a special place! I’m glad you enjoyed your time there! And thanks for sharing your 2-week itinerary. Looks great!

I am doing and similar trip with my mom this fall! Your itinerary definitely helps =] Do you think the Jrail is still worth it if we are flying out of tokyo and not going back to osaka? we are staying for a week and plan to do as much as you guys did but without the last trip back to Osaka. Your advise would help! Thank you !!!

It’s always been my dream to visit Japan so this was very helpful! We are planning on a similar route to what you did so it’s good to see it worked out well ?

I’m so happy to hear this is helpful! We found this to be a great route for our first time in Japan, and I hope you do too! Let us know how you like Japan!

Hi, I am actually landing in Kansai and thought of heading to tokyo straight and back to osaka. Does the jr pass covers round trip back to Osaka ? (From osaka – tokyo and back to osaka)

Hey Desmond! There are JR Trains connecting Kansai Airport to Osaka. As long you’re within the 7, 14 or 21 days of your JR Pass, you’re covered. You’ll just have to get your pass printed at the JR Office once you land.

Make sure you purchase your ticket at least 2 weeks before you leave. Japan Rail Pass is the best deal we have found, so just click on the ad off the article.

Hi Katie, thanks for your prompt response. Reffering to your post, would you suggest to stay in Airbnb, hotel or guesthouse ? Or do Tokyo’s hotel price and Osaka price has big differences ?

Great question, Desmond. We actually did all three types of accommodation while we were in Japan. We found that in Tokyo, the AirBnB was cheaper than some of the hostels (plus we had our own space). Just make sure that your host provides wifi (many we looked at gave their guests pocket wifi which would have been super useful!). Ours didn’t have internet at all, and it was kind of a hassle to have to go to a Starbucks to look things up. (And on that note, yes, we found Tokyo to be the most expensive city in terms of accommodation – at least at the time we were looking!)

Good luck planning! Let us know what you think of Japan 🙂

Katie, really nice post 🙂 Japan is a wonderful place to go. We visited Japan for a week, but easily could stay longer. I fall in love with Kyoto and Nara 🙂 did you liked it also?

I completely agree 🙂 Ben and I both said we could spend a month exploring and lazing around Kyoto! We’d love to make it back some day!

Did you buy the National JR Pass or the Regional JR Pass? It seems quite expensive for the National Pass but is it worth it? The cost is $262/person for Ordinary and $351 for the Green. The regional pass is quite cheap.Thoughts??

Hi Claire, We purchased the National Pass, and yes it’s expensive, but for us it was worth it. It really depends on where in Japan you plan to go. Since our flights were in and out of Osaka, and we wanted to get all the way up to Tokyo and Nagano while we were there, the Regional Pass wouldn’t have covered those long train rides (which Osaka to Tokyo alone cost about $180 each way). With Green Pass or the Ordinary Pass you ride on the same trains, but the Green Pass seats are a bit more posh with more leg room. We bought the Ordinary National Pass. Plus, our pass allowed us to take some of the subways in Tokyo at no extra charge. After living in Korea where the train fares are very cheap, it was hard for us to fork over so much money on transportation, but there’s really no way around it. Trains in Japan are just expensive! Good luck planning!

There are direct and fast trains between Osaka Kansai Airport and Kyoto.

Yes, this is true, but from what we remember when we were there, the fast trains weren’t as frequent as the slower ones, and we would have had to wait for a while ,making our arrival time nearly the same. Plus, our JR pass didn’t start until a few days later, and that fast train seemed quite expensive (on our tight budget). We opted to save money, and make one transfer. It ended up not taking too much longer than the direct train anyway.

But, yes, this is an option if your JR pass is valid the moment you arrive and/or you have a larger budget than we did. Thanks for the comment!

Great post! Thanks for the tips. 🙂 Looks like you may be in Cambodia? If you need/want any tips, let us know! We are happy to help out with spots in Phnom Penh.

Thanks Jax! Looks like you guys are loving Phnom Penh! Too bad we missed you while we were there. Maybe we’ll cross paths sometime in the future!

Thanks for this complete post (and subsequent posts) about your time in Japan! My wife and I are headed to Japan for the first time at the end of March, and we’re now basing our itinerary off of what you provided here. Super helpful and handy! Thanks for the tips!

And actually, a couple questions: 1. Regarding the JR Pass – do you have to book travel ahead of time, or you can just board a train whenever you like? 2. What time of year did you travel? We’ll be going the last week of March into the first week of April. I loved some of your snow pics. Did you find that a light jacket was sufficient for everywhere you went? 3. Did you fly out of Tokyo? Any tips on getting to the airport? I’ve heard it takes up to two hours.

Thanks in advance!

Thanks for the nice comments, Adam. Japan in March will be great – it’s Cherry Blossom season (as I’m sure you know!). Here are answers to your questions:

You do have to book/reserve seats on the train ahead of time. Sometimes we reserved seats a day in advance, and other times we booked them right before the train was leaving. We never had any issues and the cars were never full, but we were traveling during an off seasom (around Chrerry Blossom time it may be busier). Just go to the JR office at the station to make the reservations. For instance, when you arrive in Kyoto, you can book your seats for the time you’d like to leave 3 days later if you want to be sure to have a reservation.

We traveled in mid-February. We each wore a medium jacket with some layers underneath. By late March/early April a light jacket should be perfect!

We had a round trip out of Osaka, but I know you can take the train there. I believe that the Narita Express (NEX) takes between 60-90 minutes from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport. I also believe that this ticket is included in your JR pass, so it won’t cost extra!

Hope this helps! Have a great time in Japan 🙂

I would definitely recommend Hiroshima – I think is is Japan’s most beautiful city. Yeah, it’s the most beautiful city I’ve visited. Also, I recommend Yokohama. The harbor is lovely.

Thanks for the recommendations, Rashaad. There is so much to see and do in Japan, and one week certainly isn’t enough for everything! Hopefully we’ll get back soon!

I like it! But you guys missed the onsen experience – which was our favorite part of Japan 🙂 but of course, as you say, 8 days is just 8 days, you can’t possibly fit it all in. cheers, and happy travels!

Hey Jenia, thanks for the comment! We had a blast in Japan, and saw so much even though we were only there for a week! We did actually get to experience an onsen in Hakone. It was so relaxing, especially in February as snowflakes fell around us 🙂 I guess we didn’t describe the experience too much in this itinerary, but it’s in our list of Top Things to Do in Japan – no pictures, obviously! 🙂

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Traveling to Japan for the First Time: Planning a 1-2 Week Trip Making your first trip to Japan an awesome one

May 8, 2012 • words written by Koichi • Art by Aya Francisco

Traveling to Japan for the first time can be overwhelming. I understand! There's a lot to see and do. That's why I put together a "first-timers" Japan travel itinerary, built on my 20+ years of traveling to and from Japan.

This sample trip is for people heading to Japan for 1 to 2 weeks (which seems like the standard visit time for most people). Of course, there are so many things to see in Japan besides those featured on this trip itinerary. That's why I broke the travel plan into a 2 week stint so you can customize your vacation, removing and adding things as necessary.

That said, I hope this is helpful to those of you visiting Japan for the first time.

Things To Know

There are a few important things to know that have nothing to do with the actual places. They are:

Whether you travel to Japan for one week or one-point-five weeks or two weeks, the general route stays the same. You'll do Tokyo area, then Kyoto, then Nara, then Koya, and then back to Tokyo. Throughout the route, I'll mark things as "optional" as well. If you're only staying a week, I'd recommend cutting out these things (unless you really want to go to them, then cut something else out). If you're staying for two weeks, you should be able to go to all of these places, and maybe even diverge off to other places. In fact, I highly encourage this! Go where you want – this route is merely a suggestion.

Also keep in mind that I'm just going to be providing locations. You'll have to do your own research as to how to get to them. Google and Google Maps helps a lot with this. I believe in you.

Whether you stay a week or two weeks, I'd recommend getting the JR Pass . This is like a magical golden ticket that gives you unlimited JR train rides (bullet train too) to anywhere around Japan. Not all things are free (for example, non JR trains as well as most subways), but if you take three rides on the Shinkansen that will usually make it worthwhile. You can get a JR Pass at jrpass.com (where I got my last one). Just be sure to take into account the time change when you schedule your ticket dates. Going to Japan involves traveling through both space and time.

Finding Places To Stay

I don't really cover places to stay in this article, just the places to go to. Finding someplace to stay is up to you, though there are plenty of resources out there that will help you. I recommend hostels for adventurers / students / people with no money (they're fun, cheap, and way less sketchy than other hostels I've been to). Guest houses are also great if you can find them. They tend to be a little cheaper than hotels, but the food / environments are a lot more interesting. And interesting is what you want when you travel to Japan.

Since this is a pretty standard trip, most of the places are going to be pretty bag friendly. I wouldn't bring a ton (lots of hotels have washing machines too), and would definitely recommend a backpack or something with wheels. Don't make the mistake of bringing something you're not comfortable carrying up and down long flights of stairs. You will run into a lot of these getting on and off trains, so if your biceps are tiny, only pack whatever you can lift (preferably less). Also, bring a lightweight duffel bag (or you can buy one) for the optional shopping you can do at the end of your trip.

That being said, let's get started! You have some traveling to plan.

Day 1: Fly Into Tokyo

Flying into Tokyo isn't terrible, but it isn't great either. Depending on where you're coming from, you may also be terribly jet lagged. If that's you and you're on the 2-week schedule, you get an extra day to take it easy in Tokyo. Nice. If that's not you, you better be ready to go. No rest for the weary. After getting to the airport, you'll need to go pick up your JR Pass (should be included with your ticket). If your flight comes in too late (and the ticket place is closed) I'd recommend shelling out the $30 or so to go into Tokyo without the JR Pass and get it the next day in the city.

Optional: You can also pick up a 3g hotspot / internet dongle for your computer if you'd like. Finding free wifi in Japan is a huge pain, and getting one of these will pay for itself if you need to do a lot of work, or something.

Once you've gotten your ticket, hop on the JR Narita Express (NEX) to Tokyo. When you get to Tokyo, check into wherever you're staying and scope things out. It's probably evening by now anyways, so do your best to unjetlag yourself and go to bed so you can wake up early.

Day 2, 3, & 4: Tokyo

*If you're only staying for one week, cut out days 3 and 4 and then skip to Day 7. Alternatively, you could skip Day 2 as well and choose to do Day 5 or Day 6 (then your Tokyo time will be your shopping time on your way back). If you don't really care about big cities like Tokyo, skipping this section won't be too bad! :)

For the first few days, you'll be exploring Tokyo. So many people. So many things. Hopefully by the end of your Tokyo time you'll feel so tired of it you want to go somewhere nice and peaceful (don't worry, you will!). There are various areas of Tokyo worth visiting, and they're all quite easy to get to via the subway system. As long as you're not hitting it during rush hour, you'll probably have a great time scooting around. Since there are so many different tastes out there, I thought I'd list out the main places worth visiting in Tokyo, and then you can pick and choose what you like. I'll even sort them by areas.

Central Tokyo

Akihabara: This area should be on every nerd's Japan itinerary. It's famous for its electronic shops and otaku culture. So, if you're into either of these, this is a fun place to be. Make sure you look up, too. Lots of multi-story buildings filled with all kinds of weird things. You can spend a while walking around here.

Northern Tokyo:

Asakusa: Asakusa has the feeling of an "old" Tokyo, I think. You can visit the Sensoji (famous Buddhist Temple) and Asakusa Shrine or hit up some of the various shopping lanes.

Ueno Park: Ueno Park is probably one of Japan's most well known parks. Besides being parkish, it's full of museums, shrines, temples, as well as the Ueno Zoo. Definitely the kind of place you fancier folks will enjoy. You can spend a whole day here, if you're into this kind of thing.

Roppongi Hills: Want to see Tokyo from somewhere up high? Come to Roppongi Hills. You can go up into the Mori tower and look down on all those tiny people. Pro Tip: They don't like it when you try to throw pennies off the observation deck. Also worth noting is the Mori Art Museum.

Kappabashi: Do you know how a lot of Japanese food places have fake foods outside showing you what the food looks like? There's a chance they got it at Kappabashi, the kitchen capital of Tokyo. You can buy things for your restaurant, but the best part is the fake food, I think. It's surprisingly expensive, too.

Western Tokyo

Shibuya: Shibuya is just a ward of Tokyo, but it's particularly known for all its fashion and culture. Fashionistas should put it on their Japan itinerary. A lot of shopping can be found here, but there's also the Hachiko Dog Statue as well. Scope it out but come back in the "shopping days" at the end of your trip.

Love Hotel Hill: Technically this is part of Shibuya, but it's worth noting on its own. This is just an area with a lot of love hotels. Pro tip: They won't let three people in at a time, so if you want to check one out as a group, you'll have to break up into pairs or bring a body pillow.

Shinjuku: Shinjuku's kind of the party district, though that may be because of Kabukicho (northeast of Shinjuku Station) which is Tokyo's big red light district. If you're into nightclubs, bars, pachinko, neon, and other ahem things, this will be a place you'll enjoy.

Harajuku: Love crazy outfits? You'll fit in right here. Harajuku is home to Tokyo's teen fashion and cosplay (if you visit on a Sunday). There's also plenty of shopping and crepe stands as well (yum).

Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park: These two places are pretty close to each other, so I'm putting them together here too. It's also a good place to go from Harajuku, since you'll use the same train station. The Meiji Shrine is just one of many shrines in Japan, but it's particularly interesting if you're into modern Japanese history. Yoyogi Park, on the other hand, is just a really big park. Both are nice, though, if you're looking to get out of the cement jungle known as Tokyo.

Day 5: Monkey Park, Jigokudani

Have you heard of those Japanese monkeys that hang out in the hot springs? This is one of those places, though depending on the time of year, they may not be spending too much time in the hot springs. I like this place in Winter, but other times are good as well. Summer means baby monkeys, after all. To get here, you'll have to go North of Tokyo to Nagano (Shinkansen it!). From Nagano Station, take Nagano Dentetsu to Yudanaka. From there, you can take a bus to the Kanbayashi Onsen, which has the entrance to the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. It'll be a 30+ minute walk (depending on how much you stop) to get to the actual monkey area, though you may start seeing monkeys before then if you're lucky. Check out the livecam , too!

If you're going to Jigokudani, I'd maybe recommend heading up here at the end of Day 4 and staying the night in Nagano. There's some interesting things up there too (that's where they did the Winter Olympics in 1998!), so feel free to head up a bit earlier and check things out. Then, the next morning (Day 5) you can head out bright and early to Jigokudani and take your time with the monkeys and possibly hit the onsen. It's a nice place. Then, you can head on back to Tokyo the same night.

Day 6: Toshogu Shrine, Nikko

Nikko is the mausoleum for Tokugawa Ieyasu. Basically, he and his relatives ruled over Japan as Shogun for 250 years (until the Meiji Restoration). That means he got a pretty sweet shrine. There are over a dozen Shinto and Buddhist buildings here, and it's in a very beautiful setting. Need some peace from Tokyo? You'll for sure get it here.

This can be a day trip (it's really close to Tokyo) with some extra time left over. I'd recommend coming here, then either checking out other things in this area or heading straight to Tokyo in the afternoon or evening. Just be sure to give yourself 3-4 hours to travel, so don't leave too late from here. Another option would be to leave the morning of Day 7 and get to Kyoto in the late morning or early afternoon. It's totally up to you.

Day 7 & 8: Kyoto

*If you're on the 1-week plan, skip day 8 and go to Nara instead.

Kyoto's going to be your shrine and temple time while visiting Japan. Since it was the place where the emperor lived for over a thousand years, it's full of cool, historical things. Take your pick and enjoy. Also be sure to just walk around at random. You'll run into so many temple, castles, and shrines just by accident. It doesn't hurt to explore, some. Oh, and bring your walking shoes. Things are about to get… walky.

Central Kyoto

Nijo Castle: This was where Tokugawa Ieyasu lived (remember his shrine, up above?). Later it switched to an imperial palace (after the Shogunate went down), and then later opened to the public. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is supposedly a big deal.

Kyoto Imperial Palace: When the Shogunate was in power, this is where the imperial family lived. You can even take tours in English, here.

Northern Kyoto

Kinkakuji: Also known as the golden pavilion, this is a building covered in gold .

Western Kyoto

Kokedera: Also known as Saihoji, this is another UNESCO World Heritage Site (way to go, Kyoto). This temple is mainly known for its moss, and apparently has over 120 different varieties.

Southern Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine: This shrine is known for its thousand torii gates. They're bright orange and absolutely incredible to walk through. Highly recommended.

Eastern Kyoto

Kiyomizudera: One of the must sees, I think (and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This temple is high up on a hill and has a balcony that offers an awesome view.

Higashiyama District: You'll run into this on your way up to Kiyomizudera, actually. Think of this area as a "historic shopping district." Kind of touristy, but a lot of fun nonetheless. Grab something to take home!

Sanjusangendo: The building itself it's amazing, but the inside is pretty remarkable. There are 1001 statues of Kannon in here, which is… well… kinda remarkable.

Gion: Like Geisha? this is Kyoto's Geisha District. You will have to try pretty hard to get in to see a geiko, though, but good luck trying (hint: apparently some travel agencies will hook you up if you've got the yen).

Day 9: Nara

You can leave the morning of Day 9 or leave the evening of Day 10 and spend the night in Nara. Either is fine. You can even spend the night in Nara on Day 9 as well then move on early in the morning of Day 10. It all depends on how much you like temples and Deer.

While there's some neat temples, shrines, castles, and other similar things here in Nara, I'd say you're coming for deer. The deer here are pretty tame and will actually attack you if you have food (kinda fun to run from deer). Don't worry, they have their horns cut off, though (it's a religious thing), so you won't be stabbed through, most likely.

Places you'll want to go in Nara:

• Todaiji Temple: Largest wooden structure in the world with Japan's largest Buddha statues inside. Basically, think super sized. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Nara.
• Nara Park: Has a lot of deer. Go buy deer food, the deer will thank you.
• Kofukuji Temple: Basically a big temple. Very pretty, though.
• Nara National Museum: If you're interested in Japanese Buddhist Art, this will be a fun place for you. The building is also surrounded by ferocious, wild deer.

Consider this a day to walk around but not as much as when you were in Kyoto. Nara's a lot like Kyoto in a lot of ways, though, so I'd recommend mainly hitting up the deer and then hitting up Todaiji Temple. Depending on how worn out you are on temples, though, you can stay here longer or shorter, deciding where you stay this night based off of that.

Day 10: Mt. Koya aka Koyasan

You'll want to make sure you leave early this day, whether you're leaving from Kyoto or Nara. You have a ways to go to get to Koya-san, quite possibly one of the most beautiful places in Japan (just my opinion). This might be one of the best places you go in your Japan travels.

There are a hundred temples here, many of which you can stay the night at. When you spend the night, you get the best vegetarian meal you've ever had (guaranteed), a room to stay in, and even the option to wake up (really) early to go watch the monks do their morning rituals. It's so peaceful, a lot of fun, and one of my favorite places on earth. You'll want to go to the Koyasan website for more information on lodging.

I'd recommend getting here as early as you can on Day 10, dropping off your things at the place you're staying, then just walk around. You'll be able to fill a good amount of time just exploring. The best place to walk, though? Probably the giant cemetery, which also happens to be the largest in Japan. Although some may find a graveyard creepy, it really is quite peaceful.

This, I think, will be one of your best days in Japan, so don't skimp out on it if possible! Just be sure to get back to your temple in time for dinner.

Day 11: Travel Day / Osaka / Fuji

*If you're on the 1-week schedule, you'll need to get back to Tokyo. You're running out of days.

Day 11 is mostly travel. You'll want to leave Koya either late morning or early afternoon, depending on where you're going next. If you like shopping a lot, you'll want to get back to Tokyo on this day.

If you don't need the extra time, consider stopping in Osaka (it's on the way from Koyasan). You can visit the Glico Man, Osaka Tower, play some Pachinko, and eat some Takoyaki / Okonomiyaki (both famous in Osaka). It's a bit different than Tokyo, but it's still a big city. I'll leave this one up to you, though. Osaka's a lot of fun to just walk around and check out.

Alternatively, you could stop at Mt. Fuji on the way back too. I recommend the amusement park Fuji-Q Highland over climbing the mountain itself (it looks better from afar, you'll have to trust me on this one) if you do this. Definitely don't miss the horror house there, it's top notch.

Whatever you end up doing, you're reaching the end of your trip. Just make sure you're back in Tokyo in time to do your shopping before you get on the airplane to leave. Of course, if you don't shop, then you have more time to go to more places. If you do shop, get back to Tokyo.

Day 12 & 13: Shopping In Tokyo / Last Minute Visits

Hopefully you scoped out all the places you wanted to shop at, because this is your shopping time. Get the things you want for yourself and for your friends / relatives. Fill up that duffel bag you brought / bought and have fun. This is also a good time to just go around to the places you missed.

Either way, it's good to be back in Tokyo a day or two before your flight leaves, that way you won't miss your flight (unless you want to "accidentally" miss it, wink wink nudge nudge).

Day 14: Go Home

Hope you had traveling to Japan. This is only your first trip, though. Now that you've gotten all the normal / main stuff out of the way, your next trip can be filled with strange, exciting places. Be sure to check out TofuguTV for some of those, and keep reading Tofugu for more in the future. There are certainly many, many "off-the-beaten-track" locations worth visiting, but we'll save that for next time !

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1 Week Itinerary: the Very Best of Japan for First Timers

Classic itinerary (Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto and Osaka): How to make the best travel in Japan in 1 week

Are you a first time traveller to Japan??

If I’m honest, I’d suggest to take 2 weeks to enjoy best highlights of the country. However, if you have only 1 week to travel Japan for the first time, it is quite short but still you can make a great first time trip in Japan! Check my suggested classic itinerary which includes best cities, attractions and spots as well as things to buy and dishes to eat.

This is a classic 1 week itinerary for first time visitors to Japan!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

7 days in Japan (In Tokyo Narita Airport/Out Kansai International Airport)

Day 1-3. tokyo.

3 days in Tokyo sounds quite short but it is long enough to see what you want if you plan your itinerary in advance.

The city offers various kinds of attraction in each area, and deciding which area to visit really depends on what you are interested. So here is a best suggestion for your interests.

Traditional, Historical Tokyo in 1 day: Ueno+Asakusa+Tokyo Skytree

The northern Tokyo is known as the old downtown of the city, and it’s a great area to see historical sites, local lives and the rustic atmosphere. Ueno has one of largest parks in Tokyo, Ueno Park which consists of rich nature, a zoo and some great museums. Also the shopping street called Ameyoko (Ameya Yokocho) is one of most chaotic spots in Japan. (lots of bargaining and street food!). ▶ Check more info about Ueno

Asakusa is known as the historic capital of Tokyo, and the main attraction Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple, and its approach, Nakamise Street is a great spot to shop and try local street snacks. Walk along the Sumida River and you can easily reach Tokyo Skytree by walk. ▶ Check more info about Asakusa

One of the new attractions in Tokyo that promises to become one of the most popular activities has recently opened in Asakusa. SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM TOKYO With Experience features two of the favorite things of tourists: samurais and ninjas. From wearing authentic samurai armor to ninja training, including a two-story museum, there is plenty to do at SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM TOKYO With Experience.

▶︎ Book your tickets for SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM TOKYO online

Trend and shopping in 1 day: shibuya+harajuku+shinjuku.

Whoever is into Japanese pop culture, fashion and trends, Shibuya and Harajuku are best areas. There are numbers of shopping malls and boutiques, especially for young generation, trendy cafes and restaurants, chaotic streets like Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Takeshita Street . While Harajuku is home to teenage culture, it also owns one of greatest shrines in Japan, Meiji Shrine which is dedicated to the deity of Emperor Meiji. ▶ Check more info about Shibuya ▶ Check more info about Harajuku ▶ 1 day walking itinerary in Shibuya and Harajuku

Shinjuku also has numbers of shops and places to eat but it’s the best district to visit at night. Also there is a park with a beautiful Japanese garden nearby called Shinjuku Gyoen , which is highly recommended for cherry blossom viewing.

When it gets dark, enjoy strolling by the flashy neon lights in Kabukicho, or get tipsy with old fashioned Izakaya Alley such as Omoide Yokocho or Golden Gai. ▶ Check more info about Shinjuku

Be a Foodie in 1/2 day: Tsukiji+Ginza

Seeking for fresh seafood?? Michelin starred restaurants?

The world’s biggest wholesale market used to be located in Tsukiji area. In 2018, the inner market of Tsukiji was relocated to Toyosu area, and the famous tuna auctions also take place in early morning in Toyosu Market now.

Despite the relocation, Tsukiji is still highly attractive tourist site in the city. Numbers of restaurants, food stands and shops remain there, and serve and sell great quality food and cooking utensils like high-quality Japanese knives.

Ginza is located within a short distance from Tsukiji, and the area is known as the poshest district of Tokyo as there are numbers of department stores and boutiques with luxury brands. Even if shopping Louis Vuitton or GUCCI is not for you, Ginza is still attractive area if you are a food lover.

The area is home to numbers of world finest restaurants including several Michelin starred restaurants. Sushi restaurants like Sukiyabashi Jiro or Kyubey are hard to get a table nowadays. ▶ Check more info about Tsukiji and Ginza

Get geeky in 1/2 day: Akihabara

Japanese underground culture has been secretly attracting the world in past years. Starting from gaming and manga, the deep Otaku culture became one of most influential things from Japan, and Akihabara is indeed home to it. If you are into Otaku culture or love shopping high tech gadgets, you can easily spend a whole day in Akihabara.

But for quick visit, make sure you visit one of maid cafes , an electric store, an anime store. If you are not familiar with the culture, simply walking down the street of Akihabara would be a great attraction! ▶ Check more info about Akihabara

Explore Modern Tokyo in 1/2 day: Roppongi+Tokyo Tower

Roppongi is the most cutting-edge and sophisticated area in Tokyo with some modern shopping complexes and museums. Also it’s known as the best district for clubbing. There are numbers of luxurious hotels with nice bar lounges, too.

The area is not very far from Tokyo Tower, but if you have no time to make a visit to the tower, go to Tokyo City View (at Mori Tower in Roppongi) where the great view of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree can be gazed. ▶ Check more info about Roppongi

Shopping in Tokyo

Here are amazing things/shops from Tokyo which you may wanna check out for your souvenir shopping: ▶ 10 Must-Buy Souvenirs in Tokyo ▶ 5 Best Shops You Will Fall in Love in Japan ▶ 5 Popular Japanese Clothing Brands

Eating in Tokyo

Looking for popular Japanese dishes in Tokyo? You may wanna dine at these restaurants:

Sushi ▶ 5 Top-Rated Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo Tempura ▶ 5 Best Michelin Star Tempura Restaurants in Tokyo! Ramen ▶ 10 Best Ramen Restaurants in Tokyo Wagyu ▶ Enjoy Wagyu Beef! 7 Best Steakhouses to Dine in Tokyo

Head to Hakone in the afternoon of day-3. It takes 90–120 mins to Hakone from Tokyo. The easiest way to get Hakone would be travelling from Shinjuku Station by Hakone Romance Car (Odakyu Line) or if you have JR Pass, you can take Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa Station towards Odawara then change to Hakone Tozan Railway.

Hakone area is best known as hot spring resort and ideally it’s on the way to western Japan. So let’s stop over for a night before visiting Kyoto, and have an authentic Onsen experience! Make sure to book hotel or ryokan (Japanese style inn) with hot spring bath, or if you are shy to go naked, Hakone Yunessan is highly recommended as it’s a Onsen theme park where you can visit with swim suite.

Day 4. Hakone

Explore Hakone for a half day. You won’t have much time so I’d recommend you to visit around the Lake Ashi where you can enjoy an amazing view of Mt.Fuji and surrounded nature. Take a cruise on the lake and visit Hakone Shrine nearby. Or take a rope-way to explore the mountain of Hakone if time allows. Hakone also have several great museums including Hakone Open Air Museum and Pola Museum.

▶ 10 Best Things to Do in Hakone ▶ Check more info about Onsen in Hakone

Leave Hakone late afternoon. It takes around 3 hours to reach Kyoto from Hakone (the fastest way is by Shinkansen from Odawara Station).

Day 5–6. Kyoto

For first time visitors to Kyoto, there are 3 historical landmarks that can not be missed: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine , Kiyomizudera Temple and Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion).

On the first day, let’s do first two spots and explore surrounded area. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is where the famous countless red torii gates are located. The spot is always crowded and slightly distanced from other tourist attractions, so it’s better if you visit there in early morning, especially if you are keen on photography.

After spending about an hour, head to Higashiyama, the preserved historical district where Kiyomizudera Temple and many other attractions can be found. The temple is one of oldest building existing in Japan today, and known for the gorgeous view of the wooden terrace.

Along with the Kiyomizudera Temple, many other attractions are within walking distance such as Gion district (famous for Geisha), some more temples and shrines, Ninenzaka (shopping streets), numbers of restaurants and more. It’s a great area to do your souvenir shopping, too. ▶ Walk guide for Gion and Higashiyama area ▶ 10 Must-Buy Souvenirs in Kyoto

If you love Japanese sweets especially Matcha, Kyoto is the best city to try Matcha desserts. Stop by a traditional tea house and indulge yourself with a delicious Matcha parfait or ice cream! ▶ Top 5 MATCHA Cafes in Kyoto

On the second day, visit Kinkakuji Temple for the first thing in the morning. The gorgeous Golden Pavilion is definitely worth visiting once in a lifetime.

After visiting Kinkakuji, head to Arashiyama area. Arashiyama is outskirt area of Kyoto (west of Kyoto City) where rich nature and historical sites coexist. The wooded mountains, the river and the charming bridge.. the landscape of Arashiyama is simply amazing, and there are also several must-see landmarks such as Bamboo Groves , UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tenryuji Temple , Monkey Park and a preserved street. ▶ Check more info about Arashiyama area

Go back to Kyoto Station and head to Osaka at night. Osaka City gets more energetic and vibrant as it gets dark. Enjoy the neon lights of the famous Dotonbori area , and eat delicious Osakan local food such as Okonomiyaki , Takoyaki and Kushikatsu. The small Izakaya alley off the main street of Dotonbori, Hozanji Yokocho is also a great spot to get tipsy at night.

Day. 7 Osaka

It depends on your flight time but if you have a half day in Osaka, the best option would be visiting one of these spots:

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade : The 600 m long, biggest shopping arcade in the city where you can shop everything from fashion items to local souvenirs.

Shinsekai : The nostalgic, old downtown area of Osaka with local shops and the symbolic Tsutenkaku Tower.

Osaka Castle : One of the greatest Japanese castles.

Osaka Aquarium : Home to a whale shark. The large aquarium in Osaka’s bay area.

Or if you have a whole day available, why don’t you visit one of world’s greatest theme parks Universal Studios Japan .

Osaka is one of the best cities for night-out in Japan! Enjoy the famous “ Osaka food “, get tipsy at local  drinking spots and be entertained all night long at the coolest nightlife spots in the city!

Before leaving Osaka, don’t forget delicious local souvenirs to shop! ▶ 10 Must-Buy Souvenirs in Osaka

How did you like the story?? I hope this 1 week itinerary can be a help to plan your trip to Japan! For travelling in Japan with longer duration, please check out my suggested itineraries listed below!

▽ Related Articles ▽

▼ Editor’s Picks ▼

"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have lived and explored countries around the world. As a resident of Japan and based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling Japan with my readers. I hope my story will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈

Wander With Alex

Visiting Kyoto: A Journey Through Japan's Culture Capital

Posted: April 1, 2024 | Last updated: April 1, 2024

Tucked away in Japan's lively Kansai region, Kyoto is a charming blend of history, culture, and natural splendor. Its impressive temples, lively festivals, and peaceful gardens make it feel like a living museum of Japan's fascinating past.

Kyoto has been the imperial capital for over a thousand years and is brimming with historical gems, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But there's more to this city than ancient relics. Picture-perfect bamboo groves, streets adorned with cherry blossoms, and quaint traditional houses add to its allure.

Foodies flock to Kyoto for its renowned matcha tea, exquisite kaiseki cuisine, and captivating geisha culture. Whether exploring the bustling Nishiki Market or taking a leisurely stroll along the tranquil Philosopher's Path, Kyoto promises a delightful journey through Japanese tradition and a vibrant atmosphere you won't forget.

Best Time to Visit Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is a beautiful destination all year round. However, it truly comes to life in early spring when the cherry blossoms turn the city pink in March and April or fall. In November, it is one of the top places to visit in Japan for fall foliage . Spring and fall typically offer pleasant days with less rain than during summer and comfortable temperatures, making it perfect for a city break destination.

If you’d prefer to skip the crowds these popular times bring, avoid late March, early April, and mid-late November. Golden Week, usually the first week in May, is also a peak time for domestic tourism and can be exceptionally busy, so I’d recommend avoiding traveling during this time if you can.

Kyoto is a large city, and the best sights are spread throughout. With over 2,000 temples and shrines and a rich cultural heritage, you should ensure you dedicate enough time to enjoying each site and area without rushing. Plan for five days in Kyoto , which will allow you to see the sights in Kyoto for four full days and take one additional day trip to a nearby destination.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

One of the most photographed places in Kyoto, the thousand vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari, dating back to the 8th century, are a must-see. The walk up the hill to the top takes around 2-3 hours for a return trip, and crowds thin as you make your way higher up (meaning better chances for photos!). 

Kiyomizu-dera

Make your way up the back hilly streets of Higashiyama, and you’ll find Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most famous temples. With its five-story pagoda and sweeping views across the city's oldest rooftops, it’s especially popular at sunset. To avoid the crowds, head there first thing in the morning, and don’t miss looking out over the fall leaves from the wooden platform, a truly remarkable sight.

Higashiyama and Gion

The historic quarter of Kyoto belongs to Higashiyama and Gion. Here, traditional wooden houses known as machiya line the streets, and geisha can be spotted on their way to work in the evening. It’s also one of the most photogenic places in Kyoto. Many quaint local stores sell handmade goods and local food, and cute cafes serve some of the most Instagrammable desserts.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

One of Kyoto's most famous sites is this leafy bamboo grove west of the city. Bamboo stalks rise to 20 meters high, creating a rustling canopy of green overhead. In Japanese culture, bamboo symbolizes strength, resilience, and purity, making the grove a well-celebrated destination in Kyoto.

Tenryu-ji Temple

There are many more things to do in Arashiyama than just the bamboo grove, and Tenryu-ji Temple is one of the best. Established in the 14th century, the temple was UNESCO-listed in 1994 and featured a peaceful zen garden with a large pond against Arashiyama’s mountains. Just a short walk from the bamboo grove, don’t miss it while you’re in west Kyoto.

Hozugawa River Boat Ride

Nature lovers will relax during a 2-hour boat ride along the Hozugawa River in Arashiyama. Surrounded by a gorge, you’ll be taken through the scenic surroundings in a flat-bottom boat steered by a boatman using traditional bamboo sticks to guide the boat. You can also return on the Sagano railway to see the views from within the forested hillsides.

Nijo Castle

Explore Nijo Castle, the former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its stunning architecture, elaborate paintings, and beautiful gardens. The castle also hosts several events throughout the year, including digital projection and illumination events. 

Nishiki Market

Foodies will love Nishiki Market. With a history of around 400 years, it now has approximately 130 stalls selling catch-of-the-day seafood and local bites. Nishiki Market provides an immersive experience of Kyoto's culinary culture and offers opportunities to sample authentic Japanese cuisine and delicacies. Aim to visit in the morning before the lunchtime crowds build.

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Kinkaku-ji, known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto's most iconic and beloved temples. Built in the late 14th century, its most striking feature is its top two floors, completely covered in gold leaf. During your visit, enjoy the strolling garden featuring meticulously manicured trees and shrubs and the temple reflections in the pond on sunny afternoons. 

Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku No Michi)

Following a route along a canal built during the Meiji period, the Philosopher’s Path is a scenic walking trail connecting several shrines and temples in northern Higashiyama. Some of the best places to visit while wandering the path are Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), Honen-in Temple, and Eikan-do Temple. Come spring, the canal also becomes a hotspot for cherry blossoms and enjoying hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to learn about preparing and enjoying matcha. Many tea houses in Kyoto offer tea ceremony experiences for visitors, which should be pre-booked to avoid missing out. Some will allow visitors to wear a kimono during the ceremony, and wagashi, a type of Japanese sweet, is often served alongside the green tea.

Food to Try in Kyoto, Japan

While Kyoto’s neighbor Osaka is known as the kitchen of Japan, Kyoto has plenty of local specialties that visitors should try. One must-try dining experience is kaiseki, a traditional multi-course meal typically served on many small plates and bowls. Head to Gion Karyo or Hanasaki to try it.

Kyoto also has several other Japanese food and drink worth trying , including:

Matcha: You can’t visit Kyoto without having some matcha. Whether you want to enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at Camellia Flower Tea House or indulge your sweet tooth at Saryou Suisen, there are many ways to enjoy the flavor of the famous green tea in Kyoto.

Kyoto-style sushi: Like other dishes, Kyoto has its own regional sushi style. Gio Mametora serves Temari, a type of sushi that is even smaller and rounder than regular sushi. 

Omurice: Omurice is a dish made of flavored rice topped with a fluffy omelet. Kichi Kichi, a restaurant that has become famous thanks to entertaining chef Yukimura Motokichi and his playful culinary skills, is one of the best places to try it.

Nara Day Trip

The number one day trip from Kyoto is Nara, which has become increasingly popular on social media thanks to its local stars, the bowing deer of Nara. Beyond these cute residents is a collection of cultural and heritage sites that shouldn’t be missed. Be sure to visit the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and wander through the Isuien Garden. 

How to get there: Take a 55-minute rapid train on the JR Nara line to Nara Station from Kyoto Station for one of the best day trips from Kyoto.

Himeji Day Trip

Just one hour from Kyoto, Himeji is home to Japan’s best-preserved castle. Like something from a Japanese fairytale, the five-storied white castle looks especially spectacular when framed by cherry blossoms in spring. Walk around the Edo-style garden at Kokoen and sample Sake, a local rice-based alcoholic beverage, at Nihonshu Bar Kokoromi.

How to get there: From Kyoto Station, take a JR Hikari train for an hour to Himeji Station.

Uji Day Trip

Kyoto is most famous for matcha, and Uji is home to some of the best tea-growing areas in the region. Perfect for the matcha-obsessed, you can eat and drink matcha-flavored everything here for your fix. Don’t miss buying some green tea to bring home, too; this is the best place to do it.

How to get there: Just 20 minutes from Kyoto, Uji is easily reached by train on the Keihan Line or JR Line.

Visiting Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is one of the most visited destinations in Japan for good reason: it’s full of history and culture and offers incredibly beautiful pockets throughout this ancient city. From the sanctuary of forested hills and temples in Arashiyama to the historical highlights in Higashiyama and Gion, this is one place you shouldn’t miss in Japan.

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Tokyo Named As a Budget-Friendly Travel Spot for 2024

The results of this U.K.-based report might surprise you!

Japan is often viewed as a destination with a reputation for being expensive. From luxurious hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) to its world-renowned dining scene, this perception as a pricey travel spot has been ingrained in the minds of many travelers. However, there are a wealth of opportunities for budget-conscious explorers, and this is especially so at the moment with the weak yen offering favorable exchange rates and allowing travelers to stretch their money further.

This was highlighted in a recent publication from the U.K.'s Post Office Holiday Money Report for 2024 , which is now in its 18th year. The report saw Tokyo take out fourth spot as one of the year's most economical travel spots, beaten out only by Hoi An in Vietnam, Cape Town in South Africa, and Mombasa in Kenya. It was noted that an average of £59.05 a day (approximately $74.43 USD at the time of writing) is needed for essential tourist purchases, with specific costs mentioned like a glass of wine averaging only $4.56 and a bottle of water averaging 77 cents.

Outside of what the report covers, it's worth noting that there are a plethora of free or cheap activities to enjoy in the Tokyo metropolitan area. From temples and shrines to parks and gardens, and even free observation decks like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building , there are plenty of ways to keep costs down.

For the savvy-saver travelers out there, be sure to explore the following budget-friendly articles on our site:

• Free Options and Facilities (a general guide to some things in Japan you can do on the cheap)
• Top 4 Free Things to See in Tokyo
• MyMizu Free Water Refill App (this is a great resource for both your overall travel expenses and the environment!)
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Taking the train in Japan - all you need to know

Mar 28, 2024 • 11 min read

Find your way in Japan with our ultimate guide to rail travel © Chay_Tee / Shutterstock

You will fall passionately in love with trains in Japan .

Japanese people didn’t invent rail travel, but they arguably perfected it. Whether you’re on the newest shinkansen (bullet train) zooming across the country at 320km/h (199mph) or an elderly regional railcar, you can count on your train being scrupulously clean, safely operated, highly reliable, famously punctual and generally a joy to ride.

You can see almost the entire country by train, and with a wide variety of rail passes — including the iconic Japan Rail Pass — you can travel across Japan for less than US$50 per day, including the shinkansen.

Signs are in English even at the smallest stations, translation apps and devices are widely used for complicated questions, and staff are genuinely happy to help travelers.

Japan has an enormous number of train lines and kinds of train, but don’t be put off by the sheer volume: it’s surprisingly easy to navigate , even on your first trip, with your phone’s maps app and a sense of adventure.

There are different services on the Japanese train network

Trains run almost everywhere in Japan. The main backbone of the network, and the fastest, is the shinkansen. These bullet trains run from Hokkaidō  in the far north all the way to Tokyo Station , where you have to change for the shinkansen going to Nagoya , Kyoto , Osaka , Hiroshima and on to Kyushu. For travelers visiting Japan’s main sights , this will be the kind of train you take the most.

The next fastest are Limited Expess trains — “limited” as in “limited stops” — that run between cities and to rural areas on pre-shinkansen conventional lines (the non-high-speed ones). Many run through beautiful parts of Japan, so don’t count them out.

Local trains are the slowest and may even be as small as one single car. “Rapid” trains are fairly rare, and are essentially local trains that skip a few of the smaller stops.

Urban rail, commuter trains and subway lines are widespread in cities. These usually work very similarly to what you might be used to in your home country, although do watch out for limited-stop semi-expresses. The big picture transit maps can look a little intimidating, but most major cities now have a system of colors and station codes in place to help you navigate, and your phone's maps app is great for a quick idea of how to get from A to B.

Confident visitors outside major cities will love Joyful Trains, which are special tourist trains operated largely on weekends and holidays in rural areas. These might be renovated steam trains, or specially themed — JR East’s Koshino Shu’Kura is all about sake, including tastings, while the  JR Kyushu A Train is jazz-themed.

Japan’s train stations are destinations by themselves, with larger and newer stations offering a huge range of restaurants for every appetite and budget, and shops ranging from high-quality handmade artisanal local goods to Japanese malls to 100-yen stores. Convenience stores and pharmacies are also often on hand.

Do look out for special local snacks in the omiyage souvenir shops (these are intended for Japanese travelers to take back to friends and colleagues as presents) and for ekiben,  local specialty boxed bentō  lunches.

Travel short distances with a prepaid travel card

Coming from overseas, traveling short distances on Japanese railways often feels very inexpensive, while traveling longer distances without a rail pass can feel more costly. Let’s start with shorter distances.

Taking subways and urban rail is simple if you get an IC card – one of the many prepaid stored-value contactless cards – that works in a similar way to Oyster in London or Clipper in San Francisco: just tap on and tap off. Most rail operators across Japan will sell you their version, which are almost all interchangeable when it comes to loading and spending them — you can use an ICOCA card from the Osaka region in Tokyo , or a Pasmo from Tokyo in Sapporo . You can also use iPhones to get a virtual Suica card (JR East's version of a prepaid card) via the Wallet app and load it with money using Apple Pay. If you're using an international Visa card, be aware that JR East has had issues processing those payments in the past, so you may need to use a different credit card.

Travel long distances with the JR Pass

Over longer distances, the Japan Rail Pass (¥50,000 or about US$335 for seven days – less than US$50 a day!) is generally a good deal if you are planning anything more than simply Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima–Tokyo, and the flexibility it gives you to take an earlier or later train is an added bonus.

You can either buy the ticket online or from an overseas travel agent. Note that you don’t actually buy the pass itself from overseas — you buy a voucher called an Exchange Order, which you then  exchange at a major station (including all international airports) for the pass itself. 

If you don’t have a pass, tickets cost the same no matter what time of day you travel, where you book, or how busy it will be — it’s not like airline tickets where that can change wildly. Most overseas travelers still use paper tickets for everything outside urban travel.

Long-distance travel fares are based on two elements:

• Ticket price, essentially the distance you travel
• Whether you want to reserve a seat or not, and in which class, if that’s available: Limited Express and Shinkansen trains will offer non-reserved seat tickets, a reserved seat in standard class, a reserved seat in the Green Car business class, or in some regions a reserved seat in Gran Class (first class).

Tickets can be bought at stations or at JR Travel Service Centers

Use Google Maps or the  Japan Transit Planner from Jorudan to find fares, or for JR trains visit your local JR station (look for the “green window” ticket booking office or a JR Travel Service Center), where you can also reserve a seat. At major airports and in Tokyo, you can expect some basic train-related English to be spoken by "green window" ticket agents. JR Travel Service Center staff tend to be more multilingual. Elsewhere, if you speak no Japanese you may well get lucky with someone who speaks English, and you can always lean on your phone's translation apps. Write down (on a printout or even just on your phone's notes app) the dates, times, destinations and details of the train you want, for example: "12 April, Tokyo–Osaka, 12:00, window seat, Mt Fuji side please."

Unless you’re visiting during a major Japanese holiday or want to take a specific Joyful Train, there’s little need to book before arriving in Japan. You can in some cases book online, but it’s pretty complicated and I wouldn’t recommend it to first-time visitors. If you’re confused and want English-speaking advice, head to  one of the stations that specializes in Japan Rail Passes . Only a few trains outside the JR network allow prebooking.

There are many rail passes to choose from

Japan has a wide variety of rail passes available to overseas visitors, from the JR Pass valid across the JR network (with a few exceptions like the very fastest trains west of Tokyo) to regional and commuter passes.

The most useful is the  Japan Rail Pass in its six variants: 7/14/21 days and standard car or Green Car business-class versions. This is probably what you should get your first time in Japan if traveling outside Tokyo.

Adventurous travelers and long-term visitors, or anyone wanting to go deep in a particular region, could also consider:

• The  various regional passes from JR East , including the very useful  Hokuriku Arch Pass for traveling the slower way between Tokyo and Osaka via Kyoto and Kanazawa
• The many  JR West Passes , including the  All Area Pass for most of western Honshu
• The  four JR Kyushu passes
• The  three JR Hokkaido passes  
• The  JR Shikoku ALL SHIKOKU pass

You’ll usually need to be visiting with the “temporary visitor” stamp in your passport, and there may be a small discount (a couple of thousand yen or US$5–10) for buying it online or outside Japan. Otherwise, check out the details online or visit a large station, including those at airports: the bigger, the better, and the more likely to have English-speaking assistance.

Train etiquette means not disturbing fellow travelers

Japanese urban trains can be famously crowded during rush-hour, but by and large even Tokyo is no worse than any major global city.

Even if crowded, the etiquette on a Japanese train is to be as quiet as possible and disturb others as little as possible: headphones on quiet, very little chatting, backpack on your front, give up your seat to anyone who needs it more than you.

There is something of a stereotype of loutish tourists yapping away to their traveling companions on long-distance trains. Try not to contribute to it. Separate your trash according to the recycling bins, and always leave the seat as clean and tidy as you found it.

Eating and drinking is fine (even encouraged!) on longer distance trains. General rule: if the seats are subway-style along the sides of the car facing inwards then don’t, but feel free if the seats are airline-style facing forwards. If in doubt, follow the lead of the nearest senior Japanese person.

On-board facilities vary depending on the service

With the exception of the Joyful Train tourist excursion services, Japanese trains don’t have buffet cars any more, although you can see what they used to look like at several of Japan’s excellent railway museums. A shrinking number of trains still have a trolley service offering snacks, sometimes bentō  and a variety of drinks.

Good news, though: any station smaller than the tiniest rural halt will have a convenience store inside or nearby, which will offer bentō , hot meals, snacks, drinks and essentials. Many larger stations have restaurant complexes, while some smaller ones will have delightful smaller options like a soba or ramen shop.

Long-distance trains will usually have toilet facilities, with newer ones (including all shinkansen and some Limited Expresses) having excellent facilities for disabled passengers, people with reduced mobility and often ostomy facilities too.

Shinkansen and newer Limited Expresses offer two-pin US-style 110V charging ports, while wi-fi is also increasingly available and easy to use.

Most Japanese trains are not set up for luggage bigger than a small carry-on — and “small” here does not include a US-sized rollaboard or anything like a bicycle. On some trains you have to pre-reserve anything bigger. Take advantage of the nationwide luggage shipping services like Yamato  – known as Kuroneko Yamato for its black (kuro) cat (neko) logo – that ships larger bags for US$10–20.

These are the best seats for great views

Always take a window seat, whether you’re gazing out on Japan’s sprawling megalopolises from an urban train, watching the country fly by at 320km/h (199mph) from a shinkansen, or enjoying picturesque views from a slow rural train.

On the shinkansen, if you want the best mountain views — including the iconic Mt Fuji between Tokyo and Shizuoka — select a window E seat in standard class and a D seat in the Green Car.

Limited Expresses are wonderful for countryside views, with the  Hida from Nagoya to Toyama through the Japanese Alps and the Inaho from Niigata to Akita just two great examples.

Ask for help when navigating busy city networks

Urban trains, commuter rail and subways may have a set of complicated and confusing names with different stopping patterns, especially during rush hour, but this is no worse than figuring out what a “Watford Semi-Fast” is on London’s Tube or how skip-stop works on the subway in New York. As a visitor, just ask station staff or, in a pinch, a fellow passenger — and be prepared to get on the wrong train with a confident smile and a sense of affable adventure.

The majority of trains are wheelchair accessible

A significant majority of intercity, urban rail and subway stations in most major cities (80–90% in Tokyo  according to official numbers ) are accessible for wheelchair users, with elevators, stair-climber lifts, and ramps widespread. 

Older stations, such as the main Tokyo Station, may be complex and accessible only from certain entrances. Tactile strips to assist blind people or those with reduced visual acuity are almost everywhere. 

Accessible Japan is an excellent resource for information, while the very detailed  For Safe and Convenient Accessibility website offers route and station search as well as  contact details for further assistance. Station staff are keen to help wherever they can.

Many trains offer wheelchair positions, level boarding, with ramps available if you need them. Urban rail and subways have priority seating, and Japan developed the  Help Mark badge system for people with invisible disabilities to easily signal their needs. The badge is  free from a number of locations in Tokyo , under US$10 from Amazon Japan (consider having it delivered to your first night hotel), or you can DIY your own before leaving home.

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InKonbini Is A Love Letter To Japan's Excellent Convenience Stores Set In The '90s

Newcomer developer Nagai Industries Inc. has revealed its debut game called inKonbini: One Store. Many Stories, and it's a love letter to one of the best parts of Japan: convenience stores. No seriously, Japan's convenience stores, whether it's a local mom 'n pop place, Lawson's (best chicken), Family Mart (best desserts), or 7-Eleven (best egg salad sandos), entering one of these is a treat. 

As someone who just got back from a vacation in Japan, I'm heavily missing these stores, conveniently located everywhere throughout major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and elsewhere. Perhaps that's why InKonbini's reveal trailer has me so excited to play this team's first game; but the game itself looks great, too. 

You play as college student Makoto Hayakawa who is taking a break from her studies to help her aunt at a small-town convenience store. Nagai, which itself is based in Tokyo, describes the game as a "meditative narrative adventure/simulation game" where, while playing, you'll discover the joy and wonder hidden behind the daily routine of a konbini worker as you engage in "meaningful conversations with your customers and see how the stories intertwine in a beautifully rendered early 1990s setting." 

Check out the inKonbini: One Store. Many Stories reveal trailer for yourself below : 

As you can see in the trailer above, players will explore their store, pick up clues from interactions with their environment, stock soft drinks, bento boxes, sandwiches, and more, all while talking to customers throughout the day. Nagai says players will find rhythm in the mundane activities of a convenience store shift, like shelving and cleaning "to discover new meaning in ordinary things." 

"Study your customers' purchasing habits and use your knowledge of the store's assortment to surprise them with new flavor options," Nagai's website for the game reads. "Change their ordinary routine in choice-driven dialogues and see how you can impact their lives.

"Focusing on day-to-day adventures of a convenience store clerk, it's an accessible and relaxing game tailored to the tastes of players who find pleasure in light-hearted stories and dialogue interaction with funny and relatable characters." 

Here are some additional screenshots of the game : 

As someone who loves both Japan's convenience stories and narrative-driven adventure games, inKonbini is a game I'm looking forward to playing one day. For now, there is no release date but you can wishlist the game on Steam . It's due out on PC, Mac, and "consoles," although Nagai has not specified which consoles. 

Are you going to check out inKonbini? Let us know in the comments below!

Products In This Article

inKonbini: One Store. Many Stories

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Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL NEWS , JAPAN / Updated : Apr 1, 2024, 23:39 IST

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Japan expands foreign worker visa program to address driver shortage, aiming to admit 820,000 skilled workers over five years. The initiative includes new regulations and requirements for positions in the transportation and railwa … Read more

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Taiwan quake

7.4 magnitude quake hits Taiwan, strongest in 25 years

By Nectar Gan , Wayne Chang , Jerome Taylor, Antoinette Radford, Deva Lee and Maureen Chowdhury , CNN

Our live coverage of the Taiwan earthquake has moved here.

Search and rescue efforts continue after 7.4 magnitude earthquake rocks Taiwan. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

Rescuers are working to free dozens trapped after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the east coast of Taiwan — causing landslides and collapsed structures.

At least nine people have died , more than 900 others are injured and over 100 buildings have been damaged.

The quake is the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years .

Here's what else we know:

• The quake:  The earthquake  hit  at 7:58 a.m. local time, 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the city of Hualien at a depth of 34.8 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey.
• Aftershocks : The quake was followed by 29 aftershocks greater than a magnitude of 4.0 near the epicenter of the earthquake in east Taiwan so far, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Tremors have been felt across the island, including in Taipei. Tremors as high as magnitude 7 are  expected  in the following days.
• Hualien County:  The region where the quake struck, Hualien County, has a population of about 300,000, around 100,000 of whom live in the main city of Hualien. But many in the region live in remote coastal or mountain communities that  can be hard to reach , so it might take time to understand the extent of Wednesday's quake.
• Trapped miners: Taiwan's national fire agency said that 71 people are trapped in two mines in Hualien.
• Power cuts : More than 91,000 households were without electricity, according to Taiwan's Central Emergency Command Center.
• Medical facilities: Hospitals across Taiwan’s capital , Taipei City, are operating normally despite being damaged by Wednesday’s earthquake, according to the Municipal Government.
• US monitoring: The Biden administration is monitoring the earthquake in Taiwan overnight and is prepared to offer assistance, a National Security Council spokesperson said Wednesday. 

71 miners trapped in 2 mines in Taiwan after earthquake, national fire agency says

From CNN's Shawn Deng

Taiwan's national fire agency said that 71 people are trapped in two mines in Hualien after a powerful earthquake struck the island. 

In the Heping mine, there are 64 people trapped, and seven more are trapped in the Zhonghe mine, the fire agency said in a news conference on Wednesday. 

Video shows man swimming in a rooftop pool when massive earthquake hit 

When a magnitude of 7.4 earthquake rocked Taiwan on Wednesday, it struck during the morning commute.

Video shows highway roads shaking and even a man being heavily swayed and rocked on a rooftop pool.

Watch the moment here:

Taiwanese semiconductor facilities will resume production overnight following earthquake

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC), the chipmaking giant, said on Wednesday that its facilities which were impacted by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake are expected to resume production overnight. 

TSMC reported that their overall tool recovery is at more than 70% within 10 hours of the earthquake striking the island. Safety systems are also operating normally, TSMC added.

The company noted that a small number of tools were damaged but that there was no damage to its extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) tools. Work at construction sites will resume after further inspections are complete, TSMC said.

Earlier, a TSMC spokesperson told CNN they had evacuated some manufacturing plants. All personnel are now safe, TSMC said in an update.

Biden administration monitoring Taiwan earthquake, White House says

From CNN's Sam Fossum

The Biden administration is monitoring the earthquake in Taiwan overnight and is prepared to offer assistance, a National Security Council spokesperson said Wednesday. 

"We are monitoring reports of the earthquake impacting Taiwan and continue to monitor its potential impact on Japan. The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance. All those affected are in our prayers," a statement from National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.

7 major earthquakes have hit Taiwan over the last 50 years

The 7.4 magnitude earthquake that killed at least nine people and injured hundreds Wednesday, is the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years .

Over the last 50 years, the island has experienced a total of seven major earthquakes, the last being a 7.1 magnitude quake in 2006 in Pingtung County in southern Taiwan.

The island sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire , which makes it prone to earthquakes.

See a full list of the earthquakes that have hit Taiwan:

29 aftershocks above 4.0 magnitude have occurred near epicenter since earthquake, US Geological Survey says

From CNN's Sara Tonks 

There have been 29 aftershocks greater than a magnitude of 4.0 near the epicenter of the earthquake in east Taiwan so far, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Of these aftershocks:

• One was above 6.0
• 13 have been at or above 5.0
• 14 have been above 4.0.

Forecast during recovery efforts: Tonight's forecast in Hualien City, near the epicenter, calls for increasing cloud coverage. Thursday is looking at mostly cloudy skies with afternoon showers and rain Thursday night and Friday during the day.

Rainfall totals should be relatively light for Taiwan, with models calling for under 25 mm (less than 1 inch) by Friday evening local time.

Watch landslide engulf road after 7.4 magnitude earthquake hits Taiwan

A dashcam camera has caught the moment a large landslide came down a mountain in Taiwan, triggered by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday morning.

The quake is the strongest to have rattled the island in 25 years, killing at least nine people and leaving more than 150 trapped.

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