🇯🇵 Japan
Explore Japan's unique culture through ancient temples and modern skyscrapers, delicious dining experiences and age-old traditions. Admire the cherry blossoms and beautiful autumn leaves. Japan is a fascinating mix of modernity and tradition.
Here are some photos from our trip:
Itinerary preview
🗓 12 days
DAY 1: Tokyo
DAY 2: Tokyo
DAY 3: Tokyo - Nikko
DAY 4: Kamakura - Hakone - Lake Kawaguchi
DAY 5: Lake Kawaguchi - Takayama
DAY 6: Shirakawago - Kanazawa
DAY 7: Kyoto
DAY 8: Kyoto
DAY 9: Kyoto - Himeji
DAY 10: Mt Koya
DAY 11: Nara - Osaka
DAY 12: Osaka
🔗 Useful links
💸 Cost
(for 2 people)
✈️ Flights (Air France and KLM): €1200
🏠 Hotel: €1800
🚄 Japan Rail Pass: €626
💊 Insurance: €120
💰 Miscellaneous expenses: €1500
Total: €5126 (€2563 per person)
✨ Essential
👕 Light and layered clothing, the climate can be pleasant, but variable
🌂 Umbrella or waterproof jacket
🥾 Comfortable shoes
🔌 Universal adapter
Features of the trip
Features of this itinerary based on our real experience:
🔹 12 days
🔹 Road trips
🔹 Independently organized
🔹 Travel as a couple
🔹 April 2019
In this itinerary you will find:
🔸 List of the places visited every day
🔸 Links to Google images of every place
🔸 Link to daily map on Google Maps or My Maps
🔸 Link to accommodation on Booking.com
🔸 Tips and impressions of every day
🔸 Useful links for this trip
🔸 Total cost of the trip (for two people)
🗓 Day 1
Arrival in Tokyo in the morning with KLM.
Places visited during the afternoon in Tokyo:
Tips
💡 We decided to visit Japan in April, during the cherry blossom season, known as sakura, because it offers an unparalleled experience. The delicate pink petals covering the city and countryside create fairytale landscapes. Parks and gardens become magical, with the atmosphere of hanami, or picnics under the flowering trees, and cultural celebrations. This moment offers an authentic look at Japanese culture and its natural beauty.
💡 The Japan Rail Pass is a convenient option for tourists, allowing unlimited use of JR trains, including Shinkansen, for a specific period of time.
The Japan Rail Pass has a price per person of €195 for 7 days, €312 for 14 days and €399 for 31 days.
🗓 Day 2
Tips
⭐️ Getting lost in the crowded streets of Akihabara it's a fascinating experience. This electrifying neighborhood is a paradise for anime, manga and technology enthusiasts. Exploring the shops, malls and otaku cafés offers a unique immersion in Japanese pop culture. The lively atmosphere, illuminated signs and characteristic sounds create an unforgettable visual and sensorial experience.
🗓 Day 3
Tips
💡 After visiting Nikko, spend an evening at Roppongi, district of Tokyo. From gourmet restaurants to trendy bars, the area offers entertainment for all tastes. Enjoy the panoramic view from Tokyo Tower, explore the clubs and nightclubs, or stroll the lively streets. Roppongi is renowned for its cosmopolitan and fun atmosphere.
🗓 Day 4
Tips
💡 Climb Mount Tenjo by cable car to enjoy incredible views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi (weather permitting).
💡 The Chureito Pagoda is the symbol of Japan: everyone will have seen the iconic picture of a pagoda with Mt. Fuji in the background at least once.
🗓 Day 5
Places visited along the route:
Tips
💡 During the walking tour of the city, visit the Takayama Jinya, historic government building, the Folklore Museum Kusakabe, and take a walk for Kamisannomachi.
💡 If you choose the hotel Takayama Ouan, take the opportunity to go to private spas on the top floor!
🗓 Giorno 6
Tips
💡 Shirakawago it is recognized as a World Heritage Site. L'Ogimachi offers the opportunity to discover traditional wooden houses with sloping thatched roofs, called Gasshozukuri, to immerse yourself in their authenticity.
🗓 Day 7
Places visited along the route:
📍 Kanazawa
📍 Park Kenroku-en garden
📍 Nagamachi (samurai district)
📍 Higashi chayagai (geisha district)
Tips
💡 Kanazawa enchants with refined craftsmanship, such as lacquer and Kaga Yuzen fabrics. Kenrokuen is one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Higashi Chaya preserves the atmosphere of traditional teahouses.
🗓 Day 8
Tips
💡 For me the top 3 in Kyoto are the bamboo forest, the sanctuary Fushimi Inari and the neighborhood Gion of geisha:
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Walk among tall reeds bamboo from Arashiyama forest it is a unique experience with a magical and peaceful atmosphere.
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The Fushimi Inari it is famous for its thousands of red torii leading to scenic hills. A sacred and evocative place, enchanting for spiritual walks.
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In Gion neighborhood kimono-clad Geisha glide through cobbled streets, kabuki theaters and ancient ryokans. A fascinating place that reveals the historical elegance of Kyoto.
🗓 Day 9
Places visited:
Tips
💡 Starting from Kyoto, a day trip toHimeji will lead you to the majesty of Himeji Castle, an imposing Japanese fortress also known as "White Heron Castle" for its elegant white architecture. The train journey is comfortable and takes about an hour and a half.
🗓 Day 10
Tips
💡 One of the most impressive days of the whole trip! Stay at Mount Koya (Koyasan) at the Shojoshin-in Temple offers a spiritual and tranquil experience. You can participate in the monks' morning prayers, enjoy traditional vegetarian cuisine, sleep on tatami mats in a ryokan and explore the evocative surrounding cemeteries and temples, immersing yourself in the profound spirituality of this sacred place of Shingon Buddhism. Super recommended!
🗓 Day 11
Places visited along the route:
📍 Morning prayer of Buddhist monks
📍 Nara
📍 Kasuga Sanctuary
📍 Todaiji Temple
📍 Osaka
Tips
💡 Nara it is the ancient capital of Japan. The wild deer of Nara Park are iconic and beloved. They wander freely among visitors, symbols of devotion and luck. You can touch them, give them special biscuits and experience the harmonious coexistence with the local fauna.
💡 The eclectic street food in Osaka it's an irresistible culinary adventure. From delicious takoyaki (octopus) balls and okonomiyaki pancakes to tasty kushikatsu skewers, there is an endless variety of delicacies. Savor crunchy kani doraku (crab) and fragrant kakigori (slush), or indulge in sweet fish-shaped taiyaki. The inviting smells of yakitori and kushiyaki fill the air, while colorful markets like Kuromon Ichiba and lively neighborhoods like Dotonbori and Shinsekai they are crowded with street food stalls. Osaka's street dining experience is a journey through its unique culture and food traditions.
🗓 Day 12
✈️ Departure from Osaka. See you next time, Japan!