Japan-5-day-itinerary

November 6, 2024

5-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Japan

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo and Exploration of Shinjuku

Arrive at Narita or Haneda airport and take a train or bus to your hotel
Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a free observation deck with great city views

Explore the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a beautiful park with Japanese, French, and English landscaping
Walk around the trendy Harajuku district and see the fashionable youth culture
Try some delicious crepes or cotton candy at Takeshita Street

Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner at a restaurant like Toriki or Han no Daidokoro Bettei
Explore the Golden Gai, a small alley filled with tiny bars and yakitori restaurants

Visit the famous Tsukiji Outer Market for a sushi breakfast or fresh seafood
Take a short subway ride to the Shibuya Crossing and take a walk around the popular Shibuya area

Visit the Meiji Shrine, a serene Shinto shrine located in a peaceful forested area
Explore the Asakusa district, one of the oldest areas of Tokyo with many traditional shops and restaurants
Try some traditional Japanese snacks like senbei or arare at Nakamise Shopping Street

Take a day trip to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site located about two hours away from Tokyo by train
Visit the Toshogu Shrine, a ornate Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu

Explore the Rinno-ji Temple, a beautiful Buddhist temple with a peaceful garden
Visit the Futarasan Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine located at the foot of Mount Nantai

Return to Tokyo and enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner at a restaurant like Ginza Kyubey or Sushi Saito

Take a bullet train (Shinkansen) to Kyoto, a city known for its stunning temples and gardens
Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates

Explore the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks
Walk around the traditional Gion district, known for its geisha culture

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style dinner at a restaurant like Gion Nanba or Kyubey Gion
Explore the Pontocho Alley, a narrow alley filled with small bars and restaurants

Take a train to Osaka and visit the Osaka Castle, a majestic castle that played a crucial role in Japan’s unification
Explore the surrounding Osaka Castle Park, a beautiful park with gardens and walking paths

Return to Tokyo by bullet train (Shinkansen) or depart from Osaka’s Kansai International Airport

Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Japan. Check the Japanese government’s website for more information.
Currency: The Japanese yen is the local currency. You can exchange money at airports, banks, or currency exchange machines.
Language: While many Japanese people speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Japanese phrases like “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me).
Transportation: Japan has an efficient public transportation system. You can use trains, buses, or subways to get around cities.
Food: Japanese cuisine is famous for its fresh ingredients, seasonality, and simple preparation methods. Be sure to try popular dishes like sushi, ramen, and tempura.

Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, layers for changing weather, and a portable charger for your devices.
Buy: A Suica or Pasmo card for easy travel on public transportation, and a portable Wi-Fi hotspot for staying connected.
Learn: Basic Japanese phrases, how to use chopsticks, and how to bow correctly.
Respect: Japan is known for its strict etiquette. Be sure to respect traditions, especially when visiting temples or shrines.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Japan!