Japan is a splendid destination with many layers. I have been to Japan a few times (for fun and work) and every time it just draws me in deeper. To appreciate it, you need to spend at least 2 weeks there. Japan has plenty to offer – the scenery, food, culture, nature, and of course, the people. The best time to visit Japan is either Mid March- Mid April for Cherry blossoms or October- November for Fall colors. But really, anytime is a good time to visit Japan. Below was my two week Japan itinerary.
Of all my trips to Japan, my top amazing moments in Japan are:
1. Hanami/Cherry blossom viewing at Shinjuku Gyoen in April.
2. Maple tree fall colors viewing at Kiyomizu-dera in November
3. Eating best sushi breakfast at Tokyo fish market (but waited for 3.5 hours)
4. Gorging on cakes from Daimaru department store
5. Soaking with locals at traditional hot springs in Gero
6. Getting good night sleep on Tatami bed at Ryokans (traditional Japanese inn) in Tokyo and Takayama
7. Feeling on top of the world at Park Hyatt Tokyo gym/ indoor swimming pool
Tokyo
Explore: 4-5 days (with day trip to Nikko)
Tokyo is where most people land first. It is the gateway to the rest of Japan. Tokyo doesn’t disappoint, it is quirky and amazing and you will not get bored here. There is something for everyone at any time of the day. From the neon sign filled streets in Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara to the cute culture of Harajuku to the traditional and quaint Asakusa and Ueno areas – Tokyo truly has it all. A friend of mine has been living in Tokyo for 11 years, and she hasn’t managed to see (or eat) it all.
Stay: I wanted to experience old and new Tokyo while I was there. So I checked into different hotels in different areas.
Traditional – Japanese Ryokan in Ueno area – highly recommend it. There are lots of okaasan & Oto-san (mom & pop) run hotels in this quaint area. The best part about a Ryokan is the traditional Japanese Bath.
Modern – Park Hyatt Tokyo in Shinjuku. Highly recommend it. Every room comes with a sweeping view of Tokyo (hotel rooms start at 41st floor). The top floor is home to the famed New York bar (free admission with stay)
Nikko – Day trip from Tokyo (2.5 hours train ride)
Explore: 2-3 hours
A train hop away from Tokyo is a town that is the site of the famed Shinto shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun. Some highlights are roaring dragon room, sleeping cat and happy sparrows carvings, hear-see-speak no evil monkeys, and lots of mythical creatures carvings (dragons, kirins, phoenixes). One of my favorites is the elephants carving. Supposedly the artist had never seen an actual elephant. Whoza!
Gero – A short stop en route from Tokyo to Takayama
Explore: 2 hours
A quick stop on the way to Takayama. Gero has been a well known hot springs town for thousands of years. I only had 2 hours before catching the next train to Takayama. I picked the public onsen to mingle with locals but there are lots of private onsen options for day trippers. Nothing beats looking at cherry blossom by the river while soaking in natural hot spring. (couldn’t take pictures of hot springs for obvious reasons)
This was one of my favorite experiences, it was so relaxing being in the hot springs – listening to the river rushing and seeing cherry blossoms trees. The local grandmas were so cute too! They knew it was my first time – I kept trying to use a teeny tiny towel to cover up – and calmed me down by smiling and showing what that towel was actually for.
Takayama
Explore: 1 day and night
This quaint little town seems to be preserved in time. It is easily navigated by walking the river banks lined with cherry blossoms. Visit the public market and walk the old streets to view hundred year old wooden shops (UNESCO world heritage). Takayama is known for expert carpentry. It is widely believed that the people of Takayama worked on the imperial palace in Kyoto, temples and shrines in Kyoto and Nara. So if you are looking for craft souvenir, wooden handmade things are good idea.
Stay: Ryokan – You definitely want to stay at a traditional Ryokan in Takayama and enjoy Kaiseki – traditional multi-course dinner in small dishes arranged beautifully.
Kyoto
Explore: 4 days (including day trips to Himeji and Nara)
Kyoto is just magnificent! Ladies running around in silk kimonos, 1000+ year old temples, and beautiful bamboo/ Zen parks are just a few things that make Kyoto a must see. Every wooden structure has history that is waiting to be explored. You can spend weeks here just temple hopping (in Kyoto area, there are 1600+ temples). Some highlights in Kyoto are Sanjusangendo Hall, Maruyama-koen Park, Nishiki Market, Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Himeji – Day trip from Kyoto
Explore: 3-4 hours
If castles are your thing, then don’t miss Himeji Castle. This magnificent hilltop white castle just underwent a big renovation. One of the only few original (not reconstructed) surviving castles in Japan. You can tour inside (warning: lots of steps and low beams). I took a tour and learned about their defenses, architecture, and history – but I still don’t know where the feudal lords slept.
Nara – Day trip from Kyoto
Explore: 2-3 hours
Antlers will greet you once you set foot in Todai-Ji temple (UNESCO heritage site) grounds. As deers are abundant here- roaming free. The temple has a great hall with impressively huge Buddha statue and lots of other intricately carved sculptures of deities.
Osaka
Explore: 1 day (and night)
My Japanese friend said Osakans spent most of their spending money on food. It is so easy to understand why, the food here is delicious. After exploring Osaka castle, go to Dotonbori area, find a neon sign that beckons you (a giant crab or octopus always does it for me!), enter and eat till your heart’s (or stomach’s) content. Food stall/ restaurant hopping is a must here.