12 Days in Japan: Unforgettable Experiences and Travel Tips

Japan has always been on our list of countries to visit and it totally rocked! The colours are so vibrant, the food is delicious, and the shrines are simply magnificent. I was so bummed about the delays in our plan and Covid-19 restrictions stopping us from travelling internationally for so long, but Sagar finally caved and we booked a short trip to Japan.

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12 Days Itinerary at a glance

Tokyo – 3-4  days 
Mount Fuji – 1 Day
Kyoto – 2-3 Days
Nara – 1 Day 
Osaka – 2-3 Days 

How to spend 12 days in Japan
Japan is a wonderful country with so much to see and experience. However, if you’re short on time, you might have to make some tough choices and prioritise your preferences. To help you out, we have created an itinerary that is perfect for first-time visitors to this vibrant country.

Tokyo: 3-4 Days

Tokyo is freaking awesome and huge! It’s everything you’d expect from Japan- full of life and energy! I still grin from ear to ear when I think about the amazing time we had, cramming so much into 3 days. But if you’re short on time, you might need to pick and choose which temples and shrines to visit. Even so, I strongly suggest you don’t miss out on the ones I’ve mentioned – they’re seriously worth it!

Imperial palace

You can’t get inside the palace (it took us a while to find that out!!!), but the Imperial Palace gardens and the area around it are amazing. We found out by chance that on Sundays, they close the roads to traffic so you can cycle around the place. It’s also popular amongst runners on Sunday. If it’s a sunny day, this is the place to see.

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is like the oldest temple in Tokyo, and it’s super popular with tourists. If you’re planning to go, make sure you get there early because it fills up fast. The temple and the grounds are gorgeous. you need to walk through some shops to get to the main temple but trust me, they’re totally worth it. They had the coolest souvenirs anywhere we went in Japan, and the prices were really reasonable.

At Senso-ji, you can also try out Omikuji, a cool way to read your fortune. All you gotta do is drop a coin into the box, pull out a numbered stick, and find the matching drawer. Inside, you’ll see a fortune slip with your number on it. If it’s good news, then keep it! But if it’s bad news, tie it to a string to leave the negativity behind.

Meiji Jingu Shrine 

Now, one thing to remember when you are in Japan. There are some Buddhist temples and some are Shinto Shrines. They both have different religious beliefs. Neither Sagar nor I are religious but we love exploring religious places as it offers such a calm environment and some amazing artworks.

This shrine is situated in the hustle and bustle of Tokyo city but the moment you enter into the premise, it feels like you are in some kind of a sanctuary. Lush green trees and sounds of birds, immediately take you in. This spot is definitely not to be missed.

Tsukiji fish market

On your first day in Japan, if you are looking to get a taste of Japanese cuisine and culture, I suggest you visit this market that we went to. In case you have seen our vlogs, you would know that I used to be a vegetarian but after discovering my love for Asian cuisine, I started experimenting with different kinds of food. Although I still prefer veggies over meat, I’ve become more daring with my food choices. For instance, I tried octopus at this market in Kyoto and surprisingly, I liked it. My partner, Sagar, is quite an adventurous eater and he thoroughly enjoyed himself at this market.

However, if you are a vegetarian, you may find this market to be a brief visit. There are not many vegetarian options available except for cucumber, expensive fruits, ice creams and daifuku. Also, the strong smell and busy crowd can be overwhelming, particularly if the food doesn’t interest you much. Nonetheless, I strongly suggest you visit this market as it provides a glimpse into Japanese culture through food that you wouldn’t want to miss.

Hamarikyu Gardens

If you’re feeling overwhelmed after visiting the bustling Tsukiji Market, Hamarikyu Gardens are the perfect place to relax. The gardens are located within walking distance of the market and offer stunning views of the surrounding skyscrapers and beautiful scenery. They are situated at the mouth of the Sumida River.

Ginza District

Sagar and I are not interested in brands or shopping at all. Yes, you read it right. I hate shopping, and the only time you’ll see Sagar in a store is when he desperately needs clothing or electronics. So, when we walked through the Ginza District at night, we were taken aback by the bustling atmosphere. The loud music, towering buildings, vibrant lights, and crowds made us feel out of place. If you enjoy shopping, I’d say you could easily spend 3-4 hours here. Be sure to visit at night to experience the magical night view.

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is known as the world’s busiest crossing and we often see pictures and videos of it, but experiencing it in person is so much better. Sagar and I couldn’t stop giggling as soon as we got there. It’s something you surely need to experience. We had so much fun that we might have crossed it more than 10 times. There are a few ways to enjoy it – the best way is to cross it with hundreds of people. However, if you want an aerial view, you can either reserve a table at a nearby café, go to the Starbucks or the nearest metro station, or visit Shibuya Sky to enjoy the view.

Do not forget to stop and admire Hachi, the dog statue outside the subway station.

Golden Gai

Back alley street bars in Tokyo are truly one-of-a-kind. While they may give off a bit of a shady vibe, they also transport you back in time. The streets are filled with the scent of alcohol, BBQ and smoke, and tiny bars line up next to each other, offering hard liquor and small plates. If you’re in a group and want to experience Japanese-style bar hopping, this place could be your best bet. However, keep in mind that many of these bars have a cover charge to enter, and some may have signs that say “no foreigners,” “no tourists,” or “regulars only.”

Ichiran Ramen

During our trip to Tokyo, we discovered one of the best things ever – Ichiran Ramen. We had heard a lot about it, but after trying it for the first time, we couldn’t resist going back for more. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this amazing experience. Just be aware that it’s quite popular, so you might need to queue up for it. This one we went to: Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Udagawacho, 13−7 コヤスワン B1F

There are a few places that you can easily add to this itinerary but we were on a budget so we decided not to spend any money on these experiences/places.

Other places you can go:  TeamLab, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Sky Tree, Tokyo National Museum, Asahi Beer Tower, Tokyo Tower

Kyoto 2-3 days

While Tokyo immerses you in the complete shock of technological advancement and urbanisation, Kyoto quickly pulls you back to the more traditional and cultural side of Japan. One experience is incomplete without the other. If you have limited time in Japan and can only spend a few days, I would recommend visiting both Tokyo and Kyoto. This will grant you insight into both worlds, as Tokyo is widely connected with its amazing subway system, whereas Kyoto boasts of a more extensive bus network.

The places you should not miss while in Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

When you think of Japan, the beautiful cherry blossom trees and Mount Fuji might come to mind. But, a photo that frequently appears on social media is of a bright orange pathway. This pathway leads to Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine. While the shrine itself is stunning, the climb and viewpoints along the way are equally impressive.

Although you are essentially climbing a mountain, it is not a difficult hike. It takes approximately 1-2 hours to reach the shrine, but the best part is that you can stop whenever you like. The vermillion torii, or Shinto shrine gates( or the orange pathway, that’s how I’d like to say) make up for the 12,000 steps.

Kiyomizu-Dera

This Buddhist temple in Kyoto offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. On a clear day, you can even see the Kyoto tower from the temple. Since it is a popular destination for tourists and school trips, it is always bustling with activity. However, it is definitely worth a visit.

While you are at the temple, do not miss the opportunity to explore the busy streets of Higashiyama. It is a step back in time, with its authentic teahouses, traditional wooden structures, and endless food stalls, providing the most picturesque views of Kyoto. This is the busiest area in Kyoto, so it is recommended to visit as early as possible.

During our visit to Kyoto (in November 2023), we found that the food options ranged from 800 yen (USD 6.00/ 450 Rupees) to higher prices. There is a good variety of sweet, savoury, and beverage options available.

While in the area, take a walk through Gion and keep your eyes open for a glimpse of a geisha walking on the street. Gion is known for its traditional tea houses and is worth visiting if you are not on a tight budget.

Philosopher’s Path

This area would be perfect for a relaxing evening stroll. After all the excitement of the Higashiyama streets, you can enjoy a peaceful walk along the canal flanked by cherry trees. The path is 2 km long and takes about 30 minutes to walk, starting from Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and ending in the Nanzenji neighbourhood.

Kinkaku-ji – Golden Pavilion

This Zen temple is located by the Mirror Pond. By this point, I had seen many temples, but the ambience of this one was just mesmerizing. The top two floors of the temple are covered in golden leaf and, before you wonder, yes, it is made of actual gold. Mind-blowing, isn’t it?

We also noticed that kids have school day trips to these shrines fairly regularly in Kyoto. So, if you want to avoid crowds, it’s better to go earlier in the day.

Nishiki Market

A trip to any of the cities in Japan would be incomplete without a visit to the food market. We had an amazing time at the market. However, if you are a vegetarian, there may not be many options available for you. But if you are someone who loves to try different seafood, like me, then the market is simply fantastic! It spans five blocks and has over 100 vendors selling fresh seafood, produce, Kyoto-grown vegetable pickles, and cookware.

A Day Trip To Nara

You can travel to Nara from Kyoto while en route to Osaka, or you can plan a day trip from Osaka itself.

Nara is a remarkable place where deer roam freely throughout the city. Believe it or not, we saw them walking down the streets, being fed in the park, bowing to strangers, and relaxing under the trees. It’s an unforgettable experience that you shouldn’t miss. There are plenty of things to do in Nara, but unfortunately, we had poor weather conditions that prevented us from exploring the city as much as we had hoped.

Nara Deer Park

If you’re planning to visit a park with deer, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, you can buy food for the deer near the park for 200 Yen (1.33 USD/110 Rupees). However, while the deer are friendly and will appreciate the food, they don’t like to be patted. It’s best to simply feed them and let them be.

It’s important to note that deer with antlers can be aggressive, so it’s best to avoid touching them or getting too close. While we’ve never been attacked by them, it’s always wise to be cautious around them.

Tōdai-ji

This beautiful and enormous Buddhist temple boasts one of Japan’s largest Buddha statues. Visitors will be captivated by the rich history and stunning architecture. Admission for adults is 600 Yen (4.00 USD/331 Rupees).

Harushika Brewery

As I mentioned earlier, we experienced the worst possible weather during our trip in Nara. It was cold and rainy which made it impossible for us to visit any other shrines or temples. So, we decided to seek refuge in the Harushika Brewery instead. However, it can get quite busy, so you may have to wait for a little while before getting your turn. The brewery offers 5 different types of sake for only 500 yen (which is approximately 3.3 USD or 275 Rupees). This is the cheapest rate that we found in Japan. The staff at the brewery was extremely friendly and hospitable, patiently explaining all the different flavours of sake to us. Due to the unfavourable weather, we found the Harushika Brewery to be the ideal place to spend our time in Nara.

Osaka 2-3 days

Osaka is a vibrant, lively and beautiful city that we absolutely loved exploring during our last few days here.

Dotonburi

Dotonbori is a must-visit area that offers a feast for the eyes. It’s not only visually stunning, but it also has everything you could want, from high-end shops to delicious finger-licking food. It’s worth experiencing both during the day and at night, as it looks entirely different in each setting.

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is a popular tourist attraction, so expect to queue up to go up to the top floor. The castle has a fascinating history and fortunately, some of the information is in English. Admission to the Osaka Castle costs 600 Yen (4.00 USD/331 Rupees), and from the top floor, you can enjoy a stunning view of the city.

Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower

It is the perfect place to spend a night out in Osaka. It’s a classic Japanese-style food court with a range of options for small plates and alcohol. As the evening progresses, the place starts buzzing with people, and the smell of delicious food and music. All the restaurants have unique decorations and colourful lights, making the atmosphere even more vibrant. There is also an alleyway full of retro items shops. You can enjoy the Osaka city skyline from Tsutenkaku Tower.

If you have more time in Osaka, we recommend checking out places like Minoo Park, Shiteno-ji Temple, and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.

Our Essential Travel Gear

CamelBak eddy+ Water Filter Water Bottle by LifeStraw Integrated 2-Stage Filter Straw 
This one purchase has truly transformed our travels. After visiting 19+ countries, we never had to worry about staying hydrated because this stainless steel water bottle has our back. It’s leak-proof, so you can toss it in your bag without a second thought!

Travel Insurance
Make sure to research a solid travel insurance policy before jetting off to any country. We’ve been with SafetyWing since the beginning of our journey, and they’ve provided top-notch customer service. Based on our experience, we can confidently recommend them!

eSIM 
This has been a game-changer for us! When we started our 625-day adventure, I was initially overwhelmed by the pricing and limited data options. But switching to eSIM while in Istanbul has been a lifesaver! It offers instant connectivity as soon as you land in a new country. Roaming and local SIMs can be tricky, but eSIMs are seamless and super easy to install before you even arrive. We’ve tried both Eskimo and Airalo and recommend them! If you purchase through our link, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you, and we’d really appreciate the support!

Carry-On luggage 
Seriously, this bag feels bottomless! It fits so much stuff, and I’m amazed every time I pack. We initially bought one for Sagar for our Japan trip last November, and after seeing how much he loved the design and pocket accessibility, I just had to get one too! If you’re after a stylish, long-lasting bag, this is it. It’s a bit pricey, but after using it daily for the past seven months, it’s been worth every penny.

Wise Card
What did we do before this card? It’s been a blessing! Transferring money is super easy with minimal fees, and the user-friendliness is next level. Highly recommend it!

We hope this will help kick-start your trip in Japan. Watch our Japan Series on YouTube. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD6MrnMv7Vs&list=PLYyPI1F6ubsfrnAsR7hVuLUbV4GEYP1n3