We spent a bit over a week in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. We only stayed in Tokyo and Kyoto (Osaka was a day trip). I’ve heard that Osaka can be more interesting than Kyoto but we had more places in Kyoto that we were interested in seeing. The Japan Rail pass is a must have if you are thinking of taking the train between Tokyo and Kyoto or Tokyo and Osaka. (This must be ordered in advance – more info here https://www.japan-guide. com/e/e2361.html)
I’ve included a rough overview of where we stayed and what we did each day – we’re not super intense when we travel so tend to take our time! I know people who did a lot more than we did in a shorter time. I can look back at specific photos/notes if you’re curious about anything below.
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Day 1:
- Arrive in Tokyo from Taipei
- Pick up Japan Rail Pass (order this in advance as there’s a letter that has to be shipped to a non-Japanese address)
- Stay in Airbnb in Ebisu area
Day 2:
- Explore Shinjuku area (Isetan is a large department store, Don Quijote is a famous chain discount store, Piss Alley is a street with lots of food stalls)
- Eat at Matsuya (local chain restaurant)
Day 3:
- Explore Akihabara area (lots of small electronics stores)
- Meiji Shrine
- Shibuya Scramble (this is best viewed from the Starbucks on the north end of the crossing – you can snag a nice window seat and watch the craziness from above; the Starbucks is inside a book store)
Day 4:
- Tsujiki Market (I think this market closed recently but I may be mistaken; they used to have fresh fish for breakfast if you go early)
- Lunch at Nakajima (Michelin star rated Japanese restaurant, very affordable for lunch, but you have to line up outside in advance)
Day 5:
- Took Hikari train from Tokyo to Kyoto using Japan Rail pass
- Stay in ryokan in Kyoto (Motonago was the name) – traditional guest house with tatami beds
- They served us dinner in our room
Day 6:
- Breakfast served in ryokan as well
- Explore historic Kyoto area
- Visit Fusihimi Inari Taisha (shrines)
- Stay in downtown Kyoto at modern hotel (Hearton Hotel)
Day 7:
- Day trip to Osaka + Himeji using rail pass
- Himeji Castle was beautiful but required a lot of climbing
- Osaka has a very popular ferris wheel at the top of a department store downtown
Day 8:
- Arashiyama Monkey Park
- Train Museum
Day 9:
- Hikari train back to Tokyo
- Stop at Daimaru (store in train station) for souvenir desserts – e.g., Tokyo Bananas and baumkuchen (thousand layer cakes)
- Train to airport for flight home