First written: 29 Sep 2017
Quintessential experiences on your first Japan itinerary, on a finances — sure it’s attainable, particularly with the beneficial alternate charges. Learn until the top for our limited-time Klook promo code; don’t say bojio!
Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka Nara could also be deemed touristy, however there’s an excellent motive why they’re so common. If it’s your first journey to Japan, positively expertise them for your self to see what the fuss is about.
In case you’re returning to Japan, try our different guides and itineraries exploring different lesser-known areas in Japan.
Finances Breakdown for 10D9N journey
Transport: S$449.75 (excld. flights from SIN – NRT)
Lodging: S$261.21
Actions: $149
Meals: $218.06
TOTAL: $1,078.03
Click on right here for the detailed breakdown of journey bills.
Examine Flight Costs to Tokyo
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Pre-trip Necessities
Since we’re protecting each the Kanto (Tokyo) and Kansai (Osaka) prefectures, a 7-day Complete Japan JR Move (~S$292) is effectively well worth the cash. Get them organized no less than 14 days earlier than you arrive in Japan. Extra information concerning the assortment course of and the way the JR Move works in our JR Move information.
Day 1: The First 24-Hours in Tokyo
From Narita Airport to Tokyo: The Tokyo Skyliner brings you to Ueno station in simply 41 minutes. Since we’re in Tokyo for just a few days, we’ll be activating the JR Move on day 4 and utilizing pre-ordered Tokyo Skyliner tickets (~S$23) to get to the town as an alternative
Getting round in Tokyo: Tokyo Subway Ticket (24hr, 48hr, 72hr) — buy on-line and gather from Narita Airport
Tokyo is bustling with issues to do from as early as 5AM until midnight. If we had the possibility, we may simply spend a complete week in Tokyo itself. If time isn’t in your aspect, listed below are our prime picks for twenty-four hours within the metropolis.
Tsukiji
Since 2019, the Tuna Auctions within the interior Tsukiji market have shifted to Toyosu Market. In case you’re in search of recent seafood and eating places to get pleasure from them, Tsukiji’s outer market is what you’re in search of.
5AM Tuna Auctioning — Extraordinarily common amongst travellers, get right here as early 3AM to order a spot. However because you’ll be visiting Osaka too, save your early mornings for the Osaka Fish Market as an alternative — no reservations required there!
*Tuna viewing at Toyosu Market’s decrease remark deck requires advance reservations.
Tuna auctioning apart, one other nice motive to rise up early is for Sushi Dai — a well-known Omakase place with queues beginning as early as 3AM. We haven’t tried so should you do, tell us how if it’s well worth the hype!
For us late risers, Tsukiji nonetheless has quite a bit to feast on. One among our favorite shops was Nakaya 仲家 — which serves Kaisen Dons however the important thing takeaway right here is how reasonably priced the uni (sea urchin) is!
If there’s a queue at Nakaya, get a pal to save lots of your spot within the queue (or vice versa) whereas the opposite enterprise out to purchase skewers across the outer market. Should-tries are the tamago (egg) on a stick (¥300) from Tsukiji Yamacho 築地山長 — served with a touch of radish on prime — and the unagi skewers (¥200) from Nisshin Tasuke.
Asakusa
Sensoji Temple — constructed within the seventh century, this is likely one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. Get your fortune studying (Omikuji おみくじ) for ¥100. Simply drop your coin in and seize one of many metallic containers containing wood sticks with numbers on it. Shake till one of many sticks escapes.
Your fortune may be discovered within the drawer with the corresponding quantity in your stick. English variations can be found though some could also be poorly translated. There’s a apply that should you obtain a nasty studying, tie it up on the metallic stands to indicate “leaving the dangerous luck behind”.
Asakusa Suzukien — serves match gelatos that include seven ranges of matcha depth. Until you’re a significant matcha fan, degree 7 is likely to be a tad too intense. The really useful ranges are 5, and 6. My private favourites have been the Genmaicha and Hojicha ice cream (¥470 for a double scoop).
Shinjuku
Picture credit score: Manish Prabhune
Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities constructing — catch a birds-eye view of the town without cost. On clearer days, you would possibly even spot a silhouette of Mt. Fuji.
Unatoto — For lunch, seize a bowl of high quality unagi on rice (from ¥500!!). This small unassuming retailer tucked within the floor flooring of the Shinjuku Centre Constructing is a real gem for high quality unagi at an reasonably priced worth!
teamLab Planets TOKYO
teamLab Planets (~S$30) — step into this interactive and immersive artwork gallery that engages all of your 5 senses. There are 9 totally different rooms to discover, every with a special theme.
The exhibition will shut on the finish of 2023 so chuck it into your Japan itinerary earlier than it’s gone!
*Professional-tip: Entry is free with the Klook Move Tokyo
Harajuku
Meiji Jingu Shrine — one of the well-known shinto shrines in Tokyo. Take a fast pit cease to understand its grandeur.
I’m truthfully hungry simply importing this picture right here. The Omotesando unique 4 cheese tart (¥950) discovered on the Pablo Premium Cafe is one thing all cheese lovers should strive. Singapore has just a few Gindaco Takoyaki shops by now however should you see one alongside the way in which, seize your self a serving (¥650).
Kurand Sake Market
Kurand Sake market — finish the day at this “drink all you may” sake buffet bar. For ~S$40, you’ll have limitless entry to greater than 100 various kinds of sake flavours. Whether or not you like fascinating flavours like milk, mango or the clear crisp style of draft sake, they most likely have it. There are 4 shops (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Ueno)
*Professional-tip: Deliver takeaway dinner and arrive at 5PM to maximise your time on the sake bar! (Exterior meals is allowed)
When you have extra days to spare, try all the opposite quirky issues to do in Tokyo! From go-karting on the streets to buying in hipster neighbourhoods, our Tokyo information will hold you busy for no less than three days.
For foodies, tick off these well-known meals and eating places in Tokyo as effectively, though, we will’t promise you’ll hold to the finances on this itinerary 😉
Day 2: Tokyo Disneyland or Disneysea
For Disney followers, Tokyo’s Disneyland/sea is a should!
The park is extremely crowded on most days so arriving an hour earlier than the park opens offers you an excellent head begin to your favorite points of interest. Discover out extra about Quick Passes, days to keep away from, and different useful ideas from our Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea information.
Likelihood is, you’ll be staying there previous the evening parade (normally round 8:30PM). If you end up hungry after returning again to the town, have a pleasant, heat and savoury bowl of ramen at Ichiran 一蘭 (most shops are open 24 hours or previous midnight).
We additionally love the cheese gyu-don from Sukiya すき家 — most shops both open 24 hours or previous midnight.
For adrenaline lovers, think about including an additional day, or going to Fuji Q Highland as an alternative! Try our Fuji Q Highland information for more information.
Day 3: Hakone by way of Odawara
From Tokyo to Hakone: Your ultimate cease is Hakone Yumoto Station — at Shinjuku station, activate your Hakone Freepass (~S$59.80 for 2 days) on the manned gantries. Take the prepare to Odawara earlier than altering to a different line (additionally coated by the move) to your ultimate vacation spot
Getting Round in Hakone: Hakone Freepass 2D/3D will get you limitless rides on all the principle transports in Hakone incl. the journey from Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto
Hakone Torii Gate — There are many Torii gates round Hakone however probably the most well-known is on the sting of Lake Ashinoko. You may view it from two vantage factors, on land and from a ship on the lake itself.
Hakone Outdated Checkpoint — Within the olden days, folks would use to stroll from Kyoto to Tokyo and Hakone was the final checkpoint earlier than they might attain their vacation spot. This part has been solely remodelled however nonetheless does a fairly good job of setting the scene from the Edo interval.
Cedar Avenue — Probably the greatest-preserved sections of the Outdated Tokaido route is that this scenic path, neatly lined with Cedar bushes.
Lake Ashinoko — This iconic lake is the center of Hakone. There are just a few methods to discover: on a rented kayak, a swan paddle boat or a journey on the double-deck pirate-themed ship (free for Hakone Free Move holders). Look out for the well-known pink torii gate on the sting of the lake. You would possibly even spot Mount Fuji on a transparent day.
Owakudani — A picturesque volcanic valley well-known for its tasty black eggs boiled in sulphurous water.
Strive their tamago (egg)-flavoured ice cream (¥350) which was completely scrumptious and oden (one-pot soup dish) which is ideal on chilly days.
Odawara Kashiden 小田原鱼河岸でん — Earlier than returning to Tokyo, have dinner at this Michelin Information restaurant which serves very worth for cash bowls of chirashi (~¥1200 – 1900). Turned out to be certainly one of our favorite chirashi bowls on the journey!
*Professional-tip: Ask for a bowl of miso soup for ¥100 — is available in a medium-sized bowl with a chunk of fish in every and with a robust dashi style. Nice worth for simply ¥100!
Learn extra: Hakone Journey Information — The Most Scenic Day Journey From Tokyo
Day 4: Kamakura and Yokohama
JR Move: Activate your JR Move on today
For extra data on methods to use and plan your journey with the JR Move, try our complete JR Move Information.
Kamakura and Yokohama are simply an hour away from Tokyo. Two methods to discover:
1) Deliver your baggage alongside and go away them on the respective JR station lockers (¥300 – ¥500) whereas exploring the cities. Spend the evening in Nagoya (mid-way between Tokyo and Osaka)
2) Go away your baggage in Tokyo and take a day journey out
Kamakura
From Tokyo to Kamakura: Use the JR move to take the JR Yokosuka line to Kamakura (slightly below an hour)
Crammed with a lot of temples, shrines, and scenic trekking paths starting from two to 6 hours, Kamakura is a pleasant stress-free distinction from Tokyo. You’ll discover many locals from Tokyo taking a day journey right here through the weekends so choose a weekday to keep away from the crowds.
Picture credit score: Ponte Ryuurui
Kencho-ji (¥300) — Japan’s oldest monastery that’s nonetheless energetic at the moment. In reality, should you’re round on a Friday or Saturday, you may even be part of the beginner-friendly zazen (meditation) classes held from 5:30PM – 6:30PM
Nice Buddha Statue (¥200 entrance payment) — The opposite icon of Kamakura is that this 13.35m tall Buddha Statue. From Kamakura station, both take a 20-minute stroll or take the Enoden prepare (¥190 a technique).
Picture credit score: Jessica A Web page
Hokokuji Temple (¥200) — Escape the summer season warmth at this temple, well-known for its personal bamboo groove with over 2000 stalks lining a slender pathway to a tea home.
Bonzo Kamakura — For lunch, have handmade soba noodles on the Michelin Information earlier than leaving for Yokohama.
Yokohama
From Kamakura to Yokohama: Use the JR Move and take the JR Yokosuka line to Yokohama (25 minutes).
Cup Noodle Museum (¥500) — Decide your personal components and design your personal cup for ¥300. It’s fairly just like the Momofuku Ando Prompt Ramen Museum in Osaka however quite a bit larger and has a barely totally different video proven of their mini cinema explaining the historical past behind the creator, Momofuku Ando.
Yokohama World Porter’s mall — In case you skipped lunch at Kamakura, this can be a excellent spot for extra budget-friendly choices. There’s a meals courtroom, a Gindaco Takoyaki retailer, and even melon pan (though I believe the most effective remains to be present in Osaka’s Dotonbori).
Yokohama Chinatown — One of many largest Chinatowns on the earth with over 200 Chinese language-themed eating places and retailers. In case you perceive Mandarin, you can additionally get a palm studying accomplished right here as most of them converse Chinese language.
Day 5: Nagoya
From Toyko or Shin-Yokohama to Nagoya: Reserve seats for a Hikari prepare to Nagoya together with your JR Move (105mins)
Getting round Nagoya: Buy a 1 Day Nagoya Subway (¥740) or the Donichi Eco Kippu (¥600 — a reduced ticket which covers each trains and buses; out there on Weekends, public holidays and the eighth of every month)
Tucked proper between Tokyo and Osaka, Nagoya is simply as fashionable as its neighbours however takes on a extra laid-back tempo of life. It’s residence to the Shinkansen Museum (SCMaglev) and Toyota Factories and nice as a base for day journeys to Nagashima Resort which has a curler coaster park, and a well-known out of doors onsen.
With only a day to spare, listed below are the Nagoya necessities that may be discovered within the coronary heart of Nagoya.
Hitsumabushi (Nagoya’s speciality) — What’s particular about this unagi don (grilled eel on rice)is the way in which it’s eaten. The dish is break up into 4 parts: the primary part is to be eaten by itself, the second is to be blended with wasabi and different condiments, the third with dashi broth or inexperienced tea and lastly, a repeat of your favorite fashion.
Eel isn’t low-cost and being the town’s delicacy, you may count on a bowl of hitsumbushi to value no less than ¥3000 aside from a retailer we discovered positioned within the basement of the Shirakawa Sakae Fuel Constructing which sells a bowl for ¥2450.
Sadly, we have been there on a weekend through the Nippon Domannaka Matsuri — certainly one of Japan’s largest dance festivals held yearly at 20 totally different venues throughout Nagoya. By the point we arrived at 12PM, they have been offered out for the day. Do come early to get your identify on the checklist should you’re right here through the weekends.
For one thing candy, there’s a well-known soufflé pancake store in the identical constructing subsequent to the hitsumabushi restaurant. There are clear glass home windows the place the kitchen is so you may watch the cooks skillfully flipping the fluffy pancakes.
To be honest, the dance competition added a really cheerful vibe to the entire metropolis the place we may view the performances without cost on the parks and the streets. Every dancer had a lot enthusiasm of their eyes whereas performing, we couldn’t assist however keep for no less than three performances.
Nagoya jo (¥500) — One of many three most well-known castles in Japan. Aside from accessing the principle fortress hold, the ¥500 entrance payment additionally consists of entry to the reconstructed palace which served because the residence of the royal household. It was solely redone with replicas of the intricate paintings adorning every of the sliding doorways.
Osu Kanon — An iconic Buddhist temple in Nagoya that dates again to the 14th century. Subsequent to the temple is the Osu buying district the place you’ll find cafes, road snacks, and classic shops.
From Nagoya to Kyoto: Earlier than evening falls, take the JR Hikari prepare to Kyoto (52min). Reservation wanted.
In case you’d like a bit of extra time within the metropolis, keep the evening at Nagoya Hostel Nishiasahi and go away for Kyoto the subsequent morning as an alternative.
Day 6: Kyoto
Getting round in Kyoto: Rent a bicycle from J-Cycle (¥800 from 10AM – 6PM)
Fushimi Inari Shrine — Most likely one of the photographed locations in Kyoto. Come early to benefit from the cool air and even tackle one of many hikes to the highest.
Temple hopping on a bicycle
J-Cycle — Lease a bicycle and discover the close by shrines and temples across the Higayashi District. The regulation right here for parking bicycles is kind of strict so ensure you park on the designated areas or danger having it taken away by the authorities. Some would require a bicycle day move which lets you park the bicycle at a few the opposite parking areas. Ask the store for a cheat sheet.
Advisable Biking Route: J-Cycle – Imperial Palace – Thinker’s Path – Nanzenji (Free Parking) – Gion Space – Kiyomizudera (Park at Kodaiji) – J Cycle (Approx. 1.5hrs biking time)
Thinker’s Path — A pleasing stone path lined with sakura bushes and roaming cats.
Picture credit score: Kosu
Nanzenji — Some of the necessary zen temples in Japan containing a number of sub-temples in its giant advanced.
Kiyomizu-Dera — Well-known for its 13m excessive wood stage perched on the hillside, it’s on the checklist of UNESCO World Heritage websites.
Nishiki Market — Nishiki market closes at 6PM so return your bicycles and have an early dinner right here. Have your fill of matcha snacks, grilled skewers and enormous oysters.
Learn additionally: 16 Meals You Should Not Miss in Osaka and Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto
Arashiyama
7AM at Arashiyama
We acquired right here at first mild and there have been only some different people round. Take a stroll by means of the thick forest of bamboo stalks and make a cease on the varied gardens across the Arashiyama space. Every backyard prices round ¥300 to enter.
*Professional-tip: Come early because the park begins to get drastically crowded round 9AM when the tour buses arrive.
Moss Backyard at Gio-ji Temple
Day 8: Kyoto — Nara — Osaka
From Kyoto to Nara: Catch the JR Particular Speedy Service which arrives in Nara in 45 minutes. No reservations wanted!
Getting round in Nara: Nara is fairly small and its points of interest aren’t too far-off — so it’s simple to cowl by foot. It’s additionally very bicycle pleasant; hire bicycles for ¥700 till sundown. You may go away your baggage on the JR Station lockers for ¥300 – ¥500 relying on the scale of the locker.
Deer Park — To be sincere, there’s no have to cease by the deer park as deers are in every single place, even on the temple grounds. Purchase a stack of biscuits for ¥150 and the deers will bow to you simply to be fed which is totally lovable. Simply be careful on your JR Move as they may fortunately gobble that up too.
Todai-ji (¥500) — Homes a big Buddha statue and is probably one of many largest wood buildings on the earth. Although be warned, this can be a well-known sight for varsity excursions so Nara may in actual fact be higher visited over the weekends.
Kasuga Taisha (free) — Main as much as the shrine is a pathway lined with tons of of lanterns the place deers like to cover. They’ll fortunately trot out for a biscuit you probably have one for them.
From Nara to Osaka: When you’re accomplished with Nara, gather your baggage from the lockers and take the JR Yamatoji Speedy Service to Osaka (Slightly below an hour). No reservations wanted.
Day 9: Osaka
Getting round Osaka: If it’s your first time in Osaka, buy an Osaka Superb Move which supplies you free entry to over 30 paid points of interest and covers all of your subway rides for the day. Try our earlier Osaka itinerary which utilised the Osaka Superb Move over two days.
Minoo Park — In case you’re seeking to escape metropolis life for a bit, take a fast prepare journey out to Minoo Park. It’s a straightforward 2.4km stroll with a stunning waterfall to sit back by.
Dotonbori — Irrespective of what number of occasions we’ve visited Osaka, I nonetheless discover myself amazed at this road. It’s a sensory overload in the very best means — the neon lights, big pufferfish and transferring crabs that form of seems like an acid journey.
Our favorite meals picks listed below are the creo-ru takoyaki, the kin-ryu ramen (Chinese language-style ramen with free-flow kimchi and leek), and to complete off with top-of-the-line melon pans in Japan (toasted sugar bun with a beneficiant serving of vanilla ice-cream).
Day 10: Osaka — Tokyo — Catch Flight Dwelling
From Osaka to Tokyo: Take the Dawn Izumo in a single day prepare which leaves Osaka Station at 00:34 (reserve tickets early!) and arrives in Tokyo at 07:08.
Dawn Izumo: The prepare has personal bedrooms that require a top-up payment however the Nobi Nobi seats (pictured beneath) are free for JR move holders. These are a bit of extra comfy than coach seats as you get to lie down absolutely and there are partitions that offer you sufficient privateness.
We’re big followers of taking in a single day transport because it saves time travelling (when you sleep). What’s extra, you save an evening of lodging coated by the JR move! Double-win.
Although, one other spotlight of this prepare is that it rides previous Mount Fuji at dawn round 5AM so set your alarms if you wish to see it!
Again in Tokyo, you probably have additional time to spare earlier than catching your flight residence, go away your baggage at Tokyo station and gather it earlier than taking the Narita Specific (JR prepare) to the airport.
Lodging Below ¥3,000/evening
Tokyo: Sensible Owl Hostel
In Tokyo, Sensible Owl Hostel was our favorite for its ultra-comfortable beds and is located in Shibuya, a superb location for exploring Tokyo. Learn our full evaluation of Sensible Owl Hostel right here!
Sensible Owl’s very personal cafe on the Shibuya Outlet
Handle: 4 Chome-9-10 Aobadai, Meguro, Tokyo 153-0042, Japan
Price for dorm mattress: ~S$25/evening (Seasonal charges. Examine the Sensible Owl Hostel Web site for the most effective charges)
Odawara (Hakone): Plum Hostel
Handle: Japan, 〒2500011 神奈川県小田原市 栄町3-4-17 相湘11栄町ビル 2F-B
Price: From ¥2,125/evening
Nagoya: Nagoya Hostel Nishiasahi
First began as a restaurant and bar, Nishiasashi prolonged its 2nd flooring into a comfortable residing area for its visitors. The capsule-style beds have been tremendous spacious (sufficient to suit your backpack), good for a stopover on the way in which from Tokyo to Osaka.
Handle: 1 Chome-6-13 Nagono, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 451-0042, Japan
Price: From ¥3,000/evening (Capsule fashion dorm beds)
Kyoto: HARUYA Umekoji
HARUYA Umekoji is positioned near points of interest similar to Nijō Fortress and Nishiki Market — additionally, it’s near Umekōji-Kyōtonishi Station!
Handle: 1番地12 Wakicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8834, Japan
Price: ~S$30/evening
Osaka: Ark Hostel
Handle: 1 Chome-15-11 Edobori, Nishi Ward, 大阪市西区 Osaka Prefecture 550-0002, Japan
Price: From ¥2,900/evening for a dorm mattress
For extra finances lodging choices in Osaka try 9 Finances Lodging in Osaka Below $50
Additional Professional-tips
1) Ebook your JR Move, Disneyland tickets and transport passes earlier than arriving in Japan — we acquired all these by way of Klook a few week earlier than our journey!
2) Plan to go to theme parks exterior of your JR Move dates — Visiting USJ in Osaka or Disneyland/Disneysea in Tokyo (or each)? Since theme parks take up a complete day, you’d be losing a complete day on the JR Move.
3) Go to Nagoya through the weekends — whereas we not often advocate visiting locations through the weekends, Nagoya is extra alive over as of late of the week. In case you’re fortunate you would possibly even get to catch a competition just like the Domatsuri we caught on the finish of August. On prime of that, you’d additionally get to benefit from the discounted 1-day move (Donichi Eco Kippu) which covers each bus and subway for ¥600 as an alternative of the common subway-only move which prices ¥740.
4) Go to Nara through the weekends — shock, shock as soon as once more. The reason being that Todai-ji is a standard website for varsity excursions which generally occur on weekdays. You is likely to be higher off coping with different travellers than a complete faculty of kids.
5) JR Move Practice Reservations — The Complete Japan JR Move consists of seat reservations that are particularly helpful for long-distance rides e.g. Tokyo to Nagoya/ Nagoya to Kyoto. Most prepare reservations may be made on the day itself aside from the Dawn Izumo (from Osaka again to Tokyo) — discuss with the subsequent level. Breakdown of trains right here (2nd tab beneath).
6) Make reservations for the Dawn Izumo when you arrive in Japan — one method to maximise the worth of the JR move is to take a spherical journey from Tokyo to Osaka. On prime of that, rating an evening of free lodging on the Dawn Izumo (a 7-hour journey from Osaka to Tokyo). Although, these run out fairly shortly so guide them as quickly as you may.
7) Ebook your flights six weeks prematurely for the most effective costs — safe your flights whereas they’re nonetheless low-cost! Examine costs right here:
In case you can’t see the widget above, try costs right here as an alternative.
Tokyo is an unbelievable mish-mash of extraordinary, with many quirky issues to do.
Then there’s Osaka — a foodie’s paradise, additionally a broke pupil’s paradise since you needn’t splurge to discover a good meal!
And eventually, Kyoto, a metropolis that preserves tradition so effectively — want we are saying extra?
Hope you discovered our Japan Finances Information helpful. Tell us within the feedback beneath you probably have every other suggestions!
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