Japan is one of my all-time favorite destinations. It is the place that really sparked my interest in overseas travels and inspired me to write and get out of my comfort zone. This destination is full of culture, temples, delicious food, cool cafes, new technologies, and much more waiting to be explored.
Day 1: Tokyo
Meiji Shrine
I took the subway system to Harajuku station and walked to Meiji Shrine that was nearby. As soon as I walked through the large Torii gate the scenery changed from busy bustling Tokyo to a calm, quiet atmosphere. This shrine was dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his favorite consort Empress Shoken. Follow the shrine etiquette rules and toss a coin into the token box. To make a wish clap your hand three times, make your wish, and bow. I saw wooden plaques in which people had written their prayers and big scrolls in which ornate calligraphy was displayed. You should check your fortune while you are there. They also sell charms for good fortune, love, health, and wealth.
Harajuku
Most shops in Harajuku do not open until 10 or 11. I got some food at the local 7/11 convenience store. The food is in another league here. I became utterly obsessed with onigiri wrapped in seaweed with all sorts of different fillings. I stopped at a crepe stand and grabbed me one. I noticed that a lot of food stands and restaurants display fake models of their food to show what it looks like. Amazingly, when you receive your food it looks exactly like the model.
Harajuku is known for all the extreme cuteness and fashionable people. There are tons of pastel stores selling makeup products, skincare, clothes, purses, hair accessories, and more. Animal cafes line the streets along with purikura shops. Purikura is where you can go and take pictures with yourself or your friends and edit them with different details. The girls there showed me how to work the machine.
Kawaii Monster Cafe
This cafe is near Harajuku and is filled with bright colors and dancing girls that put-on performances at timed intervals. Do not expect a fine dining experience, but do expect menu options such as rainbow pasta, a boar monster burger, and a pink cat dessert. The dancing and music were upbeat, and the experience was worth it.
Animal Cafe
If you want the opportunity to cuddle animals and have a drink, you must go to an animal cafe. I went to a bunny and otter one, but there are many different kinds. Some cafes have kittens, dogs, owls, or even reptiles.
Day Two: Tokyo
Asakusa
Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street
Wake up early to see Sensoji temple before the large crowds gather around. To enter Nakamise street, you pass by Kaminarimon Gate. There ae two statues guarding it. They are known as the God of Wind and the God of Thunder and Lightning. You should also take note of the big red lantern. There is a carved dragon underneath it that is intricate and nice to spot. This temple was popular during the Edo period. There is a small stream that runs by it and a pagoda that houses the relic of the Buddha’s ashes.
The shops at Nakamise street will generally open around 10 am and you should pick up some street food. My favorites were ichigo daifuku, dango, and matcha icecream.
Sumo Experience
This was my favorite experience in Japan. I met up with the tour at a chankonabe restaurant. The Sumos went over their art form and then we all had the opportunity to wrestle one of them. Afterwards, we ate a nice meal that was composed of the famous chankonabe (that Sumos eat quite regularly), tonkatsu, and plenty of tea. We had the chance to ask them any questions we had.
Challenge Sumo Wrestlers and Enjoy Lunch – Beauty Of Japan (beauty-of-japan.com)
Day 3: Odawara and Hakone
I booked a traditional ryokan in Hakone and did a stop at the town of Odawara before I got there. This enchanting town has the Odawara castle and Samurai Museum that I recommend you should see.
Samurai Museum
The museum contains armor, swords, and a small presentation to teach you the history of the Samurai. I enjoyed learning about the memorable saga brothers story. It is about how their father got killed and how they spent many years plotting to avenge their father. They ended up killing the murderer, but lost their lives as well.
Odawara Castle
This castle was originally built in the 15th century and the Hojo clan ruled there for 5 generations. The castle contains many artifacts such as ceramics, scrolls, castle models, historical documents, swords, and more armor. The view at the top shows you the bright blue sea and the little town around it.
Hakone Ryokan
I stayed at Fukuzumiro. They provide dinner there for a fee, but it is well worth it. A lady that works there came in my room and provided me a drink menu. Sake and plum wine are the two popular choices and then you are provided a multi course meal called a kaiseki. It contained plenty of rice and green tea, but also sashimi, tempura, nabe (hot pot), and much more. After dinner, they will roll your futon out. You must relax in the onsen before you sleep. When you awake breakfast is served and it is also delicious.
Day 4: Mt Fuji
Owakudani
Here you can see active sulfuric geysers. Beside of the geysers is an informative museum that talks about the geology of volcanos and the hot springs. This area specializes in black eggs which are made from being boiled in the sulfur spring. Local tradition says that each black egg that is eaten adds seven years to your life.
Lake Ashi
After taking the cable car, I stopped at Lake Ashi. There you can purchase a ticket for a boat ride on the lake. The boats look like pirate ships. There are trees that grow underwater here, and it is a mystery on why they do so.
The Hakone Shrine
Recognized for the torii gate in the lake known as the Torii of Peace.
Shinjuku Robot Show
You should catch the Robot Show. It may be a little touristy, but it is very entertaining to see. You’ll see dancing robots, dirt bike riders, and scantily dressed girls dancing and fighting to booming music.
Day 5: Tokyo
Ikebukuro and Shibuya
Milky Way Cafe
A star themed cafe known for their amazing parfaits. If you have sweet tooth this place is a must.
Sunshine City
This is a huge shopping mall that has stores including a pokemon center and a studio ghibli store. There is also an aquarium, planetarium, and an indoor theme park.
Conveyor Belt Sushi
You order from a tablet and your sushi comes down a conveyor belt and stops in front of you. The fun of it is to order it individually and seeing how many plates you can stack. My favorites include unagi(eel), tamago (egg), and tobiko (flying fish roe.)
Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko
The most famous crossing in the world should be experienced while you’re here. Simply to just say you have been on the largest one. Thousands of people scramble to get where they are needing to go. You can watch the people cross from a nearby Starbucks as well. Since you are here, see the statue of the loyal dog Hachiko, who waited on his owner to return from the train station every day for 9 years. Sadly, his owner had passed away while going to work never to return to Hachi.
Street Go Karts
Dress as your favorite cartoon character and tour the streets of Tokyo on your own machine. you must have an international driver’s license or a Japanese license to participate in this activity.
Day 6: Tokyo
Samurai Experience
Learn the techniques of the ancient Samurai. You will get dressed in your training clothes that are provided and then you will learn all about the swords, how to assemble and dissemble one, how to fight by using the curve of your sword, sparring with the instructor or a partner, and cutting tatami mats at the end. The instructor of this dojo is very polite and professional, and he provides a wealth of knowledge.
Tokyo: Authentic Samurai Experience and Lesson at a Dojo | GetYourGuide
Maid Cafe
These eccentric cafes are everywhere in Akihabara and girls dressed in maid outfits will invite you in. You must pay a cover charge and then you should order something from the cafe such as a parfait. The girls will do an incantation when they serve you your food and you should follow along with them. Then they will do a dance in the front while everyone claps along in the crowd.
Capsule Hotel
I love these hotels in Japan. They make travel here very affordable. Capsule hotels will provide lockers for you to place your items in, a small space to sleep, some even come equipped with TVs, and a shared bathroom. For women, I recommend the Akihabara Bay Capsule Hotel.
Day 7: Kyoto
Take a shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. Kyoto is full of tradition and temples. It is one of the must-see cities while you’re in Japan. After settling in your hotel, I suggest taking the JR line to Arashiyama.
Bamboo Forest and Tenryu- Ji Temple
The bamboo forest was lush, green, and so picturesque. A feeling of tranquility rushed over me while I was wandering the pathway. If you get here early in the morning you will pretty much have this place to yourself. Close by is the Tenryu- Ji temple. This Buddhist temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for it’s exquisite gardens.
Maiko Makeover
Kyoto is notorious or the beautiful geisha sightings, which are quite rare. I decided to immerse myself into the culture further by learning about their customs while fully getting dressed as one. During this experience you learn about how important geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas) are and how they put on their makeup and get dressed in their kimonos.
Day 8: Nara
Nara is famous for the many bowing deer that wander about. You can buy the deer treats to feed them and bow to them and see if they will bow back. Be warned when you get the treats a big swarm of deer will circle around you trying to nibble at your hands to get a taste of biscuit. After playing around with the deer you should grab a bite to eat at a ramen shop. A lot of ramen shops will have a vending machine near the front. This is where you order your ramen. After you order and pay, sit down and your food will be served shortly.
Day 9: Kyoto
Fushimi Inari
This is one of the most beautiful shrines in Japan. Picture yourself walking through thousands of crafted vermillion torii gates. This shrine is dedicated to Inari which is the god of rice. Fox statues are placed about because they are thought to be Inari’s messengers. To get to the shrine you walk through all of these delicious street vendors. Take a moment to sample classic dishes such as taiyaki ( fish shaped pancake typically filled with red bean paste), takoyaki( fried dough balls filled with octopus, tempura scraps, green onion, and picked ginger. Then they top it with a sauce and bonito flakes) and candied fruits.
Teahouse
While you’re in Kyoto you must drink matcha at a traditional teahouse.
Kiyomizu- dera temple
This Buddhist temple provides some of the best views around. Climb the stairs and gaze out from the outlook while the sweet smell of incense washes over you.
Day 10: Head Home
I hope you enjoyed this itinerary, and it helps with planning your trip. If you are curious in top foods you should try, check out my article on it.