How To Spend Two Weeks in Japan - A Travel Itinerary
Summary
TLDRThis travel script offers an immersive two-week itinerary through Japan, starting in Tokyo and exploring diverse regions rich in culture and natural beauty. Experience the bustling city life, tranquil countryside with Mount Fuji views, Kyoto's historic streets, ancient Nada, culinary delights in Osaka, and Hiroshima's poignant history. The journey includes must-see spots, hidden gems, and unique experiences like feeding deer and exploring abandoned fortresses. Utilize the Japan Rail Pass for seamless travel and enjoy the blend of traditional and modern Japan, all while indulging in local cuisine and warm hospitality.
Takeaways
- 🗼 Start your journey in Tokyo, the bustling heart of Japan, to explore its modernity and contrast it with the tranquility of the countryside.
- 🗻 Visit Yamanashi for a glimpse of majestic Mount Fuji, a must-see for any trip to Japan.
- ⛩ Immerse yourself in Kyoto's cultural and spiritual heritage with its traditional streets, temples, and shrines.
- 🦌 Experience Nara's ancient capital charm, known for its polite bowing deer and the incredible burning mountain event.
- 🍣 Taste Osaka's culinary excellence and explore its vibrant streets for a food lover's delight.
- 🌉 Discover the hidden and mysterious Seto Inland Sea with its ruined fortresses, breathtaking bridges, and adorable rabbit island.
- 🕊 Pay respects in Hiroshima, the site of the first atomic bomb, and witness the city's beautiful transformation.
- 🚄 Utilize the Japan Rail Pass for a cost-effective way to travel within and between cities using Japan's excellent train network.
- 📱 Rely on Google Maps for navigation and train times, as it's the most effective tool for getting around Japan.
- 🙅♂️ Remember that tipping is not part of Japanese culture, and leaving a tip may lead to humorous attempts to return it.
- 🌸 Customize your trip with a variety of activities and options to suit your personal interests and preferences.
Q & A
What is the suggested first destination to immerse oneself in the heart of Japan?
-The suggested first destination is Tokyo, which is the bustling heart of the country and serves to whet your appetite for the journey ahead.
What is the significance of Mount Fuji in the script and where can it be experienced?
-Mount Fuji is a must-see for any memory of Japan. It can be experienced in Yamanashi's countryside, offering a majestic view contrasting the modern city life.
Which city is known as Japan's cultural soul and what does it offer?
-Kyoto is known as Japan's cultural soul, offering traditional streets, spiritual temples, and shrines that provide a rich cultural experience.
What is the unique experience offered by Nara, Japan's first capital?
-Nara offers a unique experience with its polite bowing deer and an incredible burning mountain event, showcasing both nature and historical significance.
What culinary excellence can be found in Osaka?
-Osaka is known for its culinary excellence, offering a taste of the streets with local specialties like okonomiyaki and takoyaki.
What is the Japan Rail Pass and how does it benefit travelers?
-The Japan Rail Pass is a ticket that can be bought for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days, allowing unlimited travel on JR lines. It can save travelers hundreds of dollars over the course of their trip.
What is the recommended approach for using the JR Rail Pass?
-The recommended approach is to use the JR Rail Pass for all major transport within and between cities, using Japan's excellent train network, while being prepared to pay additional fares for certain lines like the Tokyo subway.
What is the significance of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and how does it relate to the city's history?
-The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, also known as the Genbaku Dome, is a significant site as it is the only structure that remained standing after the atomic attack during World War II. It now serves as a symbol of peace and a reminder of the city's history.
What are some of the activities and experiences mentioned for Tokyo, and how do they cater to different interests?
-Activities in Tokyo include exploring Shibuya, Harajuku, Akihabara, and the Imperial Gardens. These cater to different interests such as shopping, fashion, technology, and tranquility, ensuring there is something for everyone.
What is the recommended approach for exploring Kyoto and why?
-The recommended approach is to start each day early in Kyoto to enjoy the beautiful historic streets and structures before they become crowded. This allows visitors to experience the city's charm in a more peaceful setting.
What are some of the lesser-known locations suggested in the script and why are they recommended?
-Lesser-known locations include Tomogshima, an island with abandoned fort ruins that inspired a Studio Ghibli film, and the Shimanami Kaido, a cycling route considered one of the best in the world. These are recommended for offering unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Outlines
🌸 Introduction to Japan's Diverse Attractions
The script opens with a vivid portrayal of Japan's rich cultural tapestry, highlighting iconic images such as Tokyo, anime, Mount Fuji, sushi, geisha, Kyoto, and the technological prowess of the country. It emphasizes the abundance of unique experiences available to visitors, ranging from the natural beauty of cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage to the modern allure of cosplay and maid cafes in Osaka. The author, having spent over five years exploring Japan, offers a two-week itinerary designed to showcase the best of what the country has to offer, including a mix of modern cities and traditional experiences. The script also provides practical travel tips, such as the use of the Japan Rail Pass, the IC card for trains, and the reliance on Google Maps for navigation, as well as cultural insights like the absence of a tipping culture in Japan.
🏙️ Tokyo and Yokohama: Urban Exploration and Relaxation
The summary delves into the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, suggesting visitors start by exploring its most famous spots such as Shibuya, Harajuku, Akihabara, and the Imperial Gardens. The author recommends acclimatizing to the city and returning later to complete any missed experiences. The script also introduces Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, as a more relaxed alternative to Tokyo, with its own unique attractions and the possibility of seeing Mount Fuji on a clear day. The section includes recommendations for day trips, such as visiting the Fuji Five Lakes area and experiencing the natural beauty around Mount Fuji, as well as options for cultural experiences like visiting Matsushima, known for its scenic pine islands.
🗻 Kyoto and Nara: Japan's Cultural and Spiritual Heart
This section focuses on Kyoto, described as Japan's cultural and spiritual heart, with its historic streets, traditional architecture, and numerous temples and shrines. The author provides a detailed itinerary for exploring Kyoto, including visits to Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The script also touches on Nara, home to friendly deer and significant historical sites like Todaiji Temple. It offers a glimpse into the city's cultural depth, with mentions of the Wakayama Yamiaki festival and the beautiful Yoshino mountain, famous for its cherry blossoms. The summary encourages visitors to experience the tranquility and rich history of these ancient cities.
🍢 Osaka: Culinary Delights and Urban Excitement
The script shifts to Osaka, Japan's third-largest city, known for its vibrant atmosphere and love for food. It highlights the city's distinct character compared to Tokyo and suggests exploring the backstreets, shopping, and enjoying the local cuisine. The author recommends trying Osaka specialties like okonomiyaki and takoyaki in the Dotonburi district and experiencing the lively atmosphere of Shinsaibashi shopping streets. The summary also includes side trips to nearby Kobe for its Chinatown and the chance to taste Kobe beef, as well as visits to the Kaiyukan Aquarium and Universal Studios Japan for entertainment and leisure.
🏞️ Hiroshima and the Inland Sea: Reflections on History and Natural Beauty
The final section of the script takes the reader to Hiroshima, a city known for its tragic history and peaceful transformation. It describes the city's relaxed atmosphere, trams, and the significance of the Atomic Dome and Peace Memorial Park. The author also suggests a visit to Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine, home to the famous floating torii gate. The summary includes a detour to the Inland Sea, with options to visit Okunoshima, known as Rabbit Island, or to cycle the Shimanami Kaido, a scenic route connecting multiple islands. The script concludes with a return to Tokyo, encouraging travelers to explore any missed attractions and to try new experiences before concluding their journey.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Tokyo
💡Mount Fuji
💡Kyoto
💡Osaka
💡Hiroshima
💡Japan Rail Pass
💡Cultural Experiences
💡Culinary Delights
💡Spring and Autumn
💡Travel Itinerary
💡Hidden Gems
Highlights
Japan's rich cultural and natural diversity makes it a top destination for unique experiences.
Tokyo offers a blend of modernity and tradition with iconic locations like Shibuya, Harajuku, Akihabara, and the Imperial Gardens.
Yamanashi provides a countryside escape with majestic views of Mount Fuji.
Kyoto is celebrated for its cultural heritage, traditional streets, temples, and shrines.
Nara, Japan's first capital, is known for its polite bowing deer and the burning mountain event.
Osaka is renowned for its culinary scene and is a city where food lovers can indulge.
Seto Inland Sea is home to ruined fortresses, breathtaking bridges, and a unique rabbit island.
Hiroshima has transformed into a beautiful city since the atomic bomb, with the Peace Memorial Park as a poignant reminder of history.
Using the Japan Rail Pass is an economical way to travel within and between cities using Japan's excellent train network.
Google Maps is the most effective navigation tool in Japan, surpassing local apps.
Japan is well-suited for foreign travelers, with minimal language barriers.
There is no tipping culture in Japan; tipping may lead to humorous attempts to return the money.
Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Tokyo.
Fuji Five Lakes offer beautiful scenery, especially in spring and autumn, with options for onsen baths and hiking.
Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha and its thousands of torii gates is a must-visit.
Arashiyama's bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji Temple are highlights of Kyoto's natural and cultural offerings.
Kyoto's Gion district provides a chance to see geishas and maikos, and the Kamo River area is ideal for dining and relaxation.
Osaka's Dotonburi and Shinsaibashi are the hubs for food and shopping, offering a vibrant nightlife.
Himeji Castle is an architectural marvel and a must-visit on any trip through Japan.
Onomichi, the gateway to the Seto Inland Sea, offers a serene environment and is perfect for cycling adventures.
Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island are significant historical and cultural sites.
Tokyo offers a variety of experiences, from capsule hotels to izakaya bars, and encourages visitors to step outside their comfort zone.
Transcripts
japan what's the first thing that comes
to your mind tokyo anime mount fuji
sushi geisha kyoto cats or maid cafes
history culture technology sakura spring
autumn cosplay osaka himeji or hiroshima
honshu shikaku hokkaido everyone has
their own list and on the list of places
to visit before you die japan ranks
among the best there are just so many
amazing inspiring hidden unique and
outrageous experiences that you can find
in japan so many that it can be hard to
know where to begin but don't let this
prevent you from the trip of a lifetime
i have lived travelled and explored this
beautiful diverse country for over five
years and now i want to share my
knowledge and experience with you too
this is how i would spend two weeks in
japan here is a sneak peek of what might
prove to be the best trip you'll ever
take arriving in tokyo to immerse
yourself in the bustling heart of the
country and whet your appetite for the
journey ahead then contrasting this
modern mega city we'll head into the
countryside of yamanashi to glimpse the
majestic mount fuji a must for any
memory of japan then staying in kyoto
japan's cultural seoul with its
traditional streets and spiritual
temples and shrines we then head to
ancient nada japan's first capital but
now better known for its polite bowing
deer an incredible burning mountain
event before diving into osaka to taste
the culinary excellence that its streets
have to offer then explore the hidden
and mysterious setauchy japan's inland
sea with its ruined fortresses
breathtaking bridges an adorable rabbit
island then paying our respects in
hiroshima the location of the first
atomic bomb and seeing how beautiful the
city has become since that day
before returning at last to tokyo
visiting all the essentials and crossing
off items from your personal list it
goes without saying that we all have our
own favorites when it comes to travel so
i have included a variety of things to
do with several options that you can
select for yourself if any one item
isn't your cup of green tea feel free to
mix days or activities around this will
be a round trip using japan rail pass so
you can freely travel quickly both
within and between cities using japan's
excellent train network here are a
couple things to know before we begin
the japan rail pass can be bought for 7
14 or 21 consecutive days and might seem
expensive at first glance but will save
you hundreds of dollars over the course
of your trip in some cases it is
possible to purchase it at major
airports but only at an increased cost
the rail pass will cover basically all
transport on this trip over the jr lines
but in some cases such as the tokyo
subway an additional fare will be
required for these it's easy to pick up
an ic card to quickly board trains they
can be purchased at every station and
can be refunded on your final day for
their remaining balance there are a lot
of apps for train times and navigation
in japan but in recent years they have
just not been as effective as google
maps which is now all that i use for
finding trains and getting around pocket
wi-fi can be purchased at airports and
camera stores but it is often also free
in major cities and at cafes and you'll
not have to worry too much about the
language barrier japan is very well
suited for foreign travelers and even
without a single word of japanese you
can enjoy this trip that said it's
always nice to repay the hospitality of
your hosts by learning a few phrases
lastly don't tip there is no tipping
culture in japan and doing so will lead
to humorous scenes for onlookers as the
shopkeepers will chase you down on the
streets even through the rain in an
effort to return even a single yen you
left behind
let's begin arriving in tokyo you'll be
greeted one of the largest and busiest
mega cities in the world but don't let
that overwhelm you find your hotel drop
off your bags and get out there and try
some authentic japanese food to fuel up
then just go out and explore the city
there is something for everyone in tokyo
start your trip off with a bang and go
straight to that tokyo spot that you
have been looking forward to the most
whether it's the bustling shibuya
scramble the fashionable streets of
harajuku the madness of japan's electric
town akihabara the tranquility of the
imperial gardens you could even see all
of these on the first day as they are
all easily accessible from the yamanote
or tokyo loop line my recommendation
though is to pick just one or two that
you've heard of and then just walk
around exploring the streets for
yourself finding all those little nooks
and crannies that you just won't find on
a map that makes japan so special the
first two days are also a great time to
acclimatize yourself to the country
don't worry if there is something that
you feel you missed because you'll have
another chance when we return to tokyo
at the end just make a note of it so
that you'll remember if cities just
aren't your thing then the beauty of the
japan rail pass is that you can ditch
tokyo entirely perhaps heading up to
matsushima for the day the famed pine
islands in miyagi which are the first of
the three great sites of japan or nihon
sanke and returning that same day for
those of you staying in tokyo here are a
few more things you can do visiting the
iconic sosenji temple in asakusa one of
tokyo's most popular destinations the
temple is completely free to visit and
you can also take a walk on the sumida
river with views of the tokyo skytree
you could take in the nightlife
akabukijo street enjoy a drink in a
small bar in goldengai or just relax at
yokohama bayside park only 18 minutes
away by train people often assume that
this is part of tokyo but it's actually
a city all on its own and in fact
japan's second largest and the capital
of kanagawa i find yokohama to be a lot
more relaxed and spacious compared to
its bustling and oftentimes cramped
tokyo counterpart
depending on the season it is possible
to see mount fuji from tokyo when the
conditions are right but it's time to
get up close contrasting the urban
landscape for the natural spending the
day amongst the beauty of japan's most
iconic mountain along the fuji five
lakes at kawaguchiko which can be
accessed either by highway bus or by
taking the train to otsuki and then
transferring to the fujiku line
unfortunately this line isn't covered on
the rail pass but it only costs 1200 yen
or just under 10. the fuji five lakes
are most beautiful in spring and autumn
when the sakura or momiji maple leaves
are out respectively the lake can be
explored by bus or rental car cheaply
and you can experience the mystery of
fuji's lava caves or the shrouded
aokigahara forest travelers between
early june and september also have the
option of climbing mount fuji but you'll
have to modify this itinerary to do so
reaching the summit can take between 6
and 10 hours depending on your level of
fitness and about the same coming down
it is possible to climb mount fuji
overnight to catch the sunrise then
descending the same day which is called
bullet climbing or you can even rent a
small cabin close to the summit for a
slower and much more relaxing ascent
these cabins can be expensive however
and fill quickly so book ahead even
though fuji might exhaust you for the
next few days the opportunity to see the
sun rise from japan's tallest peak is
something that's definitely worth
considering for those content to see
fuji from the city or on the train to
kyoto this day could be substituted with
a trip to the aforementioned matsushima
or depending on the season into the
nagano mountains to witness japan's hot
spring monkeys in jigokudani called hell
valley due to its geothermal landscape
it snows from november to february which
is undoubtedly the best time to visit
this spot this is a remarkable place to
enjoy the winter landscape while taking
a hot onsen bath
kyoto cultural and spiritual heart of
japan for many this will be the most
memorable part of any trip and it's easy
to see why with its beautiful historic
streets structures and gardens you'll
immediately notice the difference
between kyoto and tokyo and may be
tempted to spend many more days in this
ancient capital of japan but here's my
recommendation start every day early in
kyoto it's much more beautiful in the
morning before it becomes crowded a walk
through fushimi and hari taisha with its
thousands of a million tory gates is a
must for every visitor in kyoto it is
completely free and gets busier as the
day goes on but as you climb the
mountain people will begin to thin out
and you'll be able to find a section
just for yourself a whole lap through
the shrine can take an hour or two and i
always find something new each time i
visit next head to kimi sadetta the
water temple this is my favorite temple
in all of japan and is particularly
beautiful in autumn the street leading
to the temple kimi suzaka is also a
great place to look for small souvenirs
and japanese suites try free samples
offered by its stalls or sit down for a
cup of tea from here i recommend walking
downhill towards yasaka ginger it only
takes about 12 minutes on foot but you
can absolutely take your time getting
lost in the historic streets admiring
the architecture yasaka in summer is the
center of gyanmatsuri kyoto's largest
festival and speaking of gion it's just
across the road from here and if you are
lucky you may even capture glimpse of a
real working geisha though they are much
more reclusive these days if you
absolutely can't leave japan without
seeing geisha or their maiko apprentices
then you can watch them perform at the
yasaka hall this part of kyoto is best
explored by foot and from here i
recommend continuing your walk towards
the kamal river you'll find pontocho
alley perhaps the most iconic backstreet
in japan just walking along this alley
in itself is a joy but it is also a
great spot for having a drink or for
fine dining although it can be a little
bit expensive so keep that in mind at
the end of pontocho you'll find sanjo
dori which is another great place to
find a restaurant or just relax on the
river itself and enjoy a drink there are
no open bottle laws in japan so you can
drink freely along the banks and many
people gather here to do so just
remember that it can be hard to find a
trash can in japan and you might have to
carry your cans and bottles around for a
while if you're in kyoto during spring
then i absolutely recommend visiting
kyage an old incline railway which was
used to move goods from lake biwoko to
kyoto that is now lined with hundreds of
sakura trees nearby nanzenji and the sui
rokaku aqueduct can also be seen here
but they are a little bit better in
autumn colors the next day take a 20
minute train to arashiyama the storm
mountain and take a stroll through the
famous bamboo grove like fushimi this is
best explored early in the morning or on
a weekday before it becomes too crowded
to get that perfect travel shot
afterwards you can take a relaxed walk
towards the target secure bridge trying
some of the street food on offer and
take a look at the kimono forest an art
installation at arashiyama station which
mimics the bamboo forest but by using
the patterns of real kimonos speaking of
commodores if you wish to rent a kimono
there are numerous places to do so here
scattered throughout the area for around
2 000 yen an hour which is a much more
cost effective alternative to buying one
as a souvenir along the banks of the
tourket secure bridge is also a great
place to take a break and enjoy some ice
cream or a traditional snack just across
the bridge you can also experience
feeding macaques at the iwatayama monkey
park they are quite friendly and come
down from the mountains during the day
but be sure to follow the rules as they
are still wild animals iwatayama offers
great views of kyoto and the katsura
river which you can walk along or even
rent a row boat but to fully experience
the mountains i recommend taking the
turoko romantic railway which winds its
way through the canyon along the vibrant
beautiful green river to kameoka
arashiyama is beautiful all year round
but i enjoy it best in autumn and winter
rounding out your day from here you can
visit the nearby kinkakuji the golden
pavilion which incorporates three
distinct styles of architecture shinden
samurai and zen over three floors the
exterior of course is covered in gold
leaf and it is spectacular in the sun or
covered in snow there are over 1600
temples and shrines in kyoto between the
large sites and the small ones scattered
throughout the city so you can take your
time to explore on your last day summer
i would recommend are higashi honganji
nijo castle the kyoto imperial castle
and heian jingu shrine if you'd prefer a
side trip then you can explore shiga
prefecture just 30 minutes away by train
and home of japan's largest lake
exploring the rural countryside and
history of ikani castle or the old
merchant moats of omihachiman going a
bit further you can even explore gifu a
less traveled but incredibly diverse
prefecture where you can see ancient
cormorant fishing fireflies in summer a
pond that resembles a monette painting
or even see fish swimming through the
streets of gujo hachiman japan's water
city northern kyoto is another great
option but it is surprisingly out of the
way and will take almost two and a half
hours to reach should you choose to
though you'll be rewarded with the
second of the three great views of japan
amano hashidate the bridge to heaven
there is a quirky little local tradition
to stand on the mountain bend over and
view the pine sandbar upside down
through your legs which gives the
appearance of it leading up into the sky
which is where its name comes from and
from here just by going a bit further
north you can find the fisherman village
of inecho referred to as the venice of
japan due to its old family boathouses
it is even possible to rent one of these
and stay overnight an experience that
might make the detour all the worthwhile
nada
japan's first ancient capital dating
back to the year 710 it only takes 45
minutes to reach nada so this day could
be an additional stay in kyoto if you
could set aside four or five hours to
visit but i much prefer to stay in this
city famous for its friendly deer
overnight as that is the only way to
experience the park early in the morning
when the light is at its best and the
mist is still in the air from nada
station you can walk all throughout the
city and up to the park feeding the deer
is a popular activity and you can buy
special dear senbei or crackers for
about 200 yen like people most of the
deer are polite and will thank you for
the food with a bow but some are
impatient and will do anything to taste
the delicious senbei while in nada you
will almost definitely see someone
running away from the hungry deer or
find yourself being chased as well but
it's still all in good fun to daiji
temple the largest wooden structure in
japan is found here which houses the 15
meter tall giant bronze daibutsu statue
visitors to nada in spring can also be
treated to the best sakura spot in all
of japan yoshino this mountain has over
30 000 sakura trees which bloom at
different stages and it is unlike
anywhere else in the country yoshino is
a little bit out of the way however and
you'll need to take the kintetsu which
is not covered by the jr pass although
the beauty of the sightseeing trains
such as the blue symphony more than make
up for this the luxury seats can be
reserved for as little as 700 yen or
around six dollars the mountain town is
beautiful but the sakura are the main
draw someone would only include this
side trip if you happen to be inara in
april an all year round alternative side
trip from yoshino either when traveling
from kyoto to nada or returning is uji
this small town is famous for its matcha
green tea and byodo in temple the
phoenix hall of this temple is the very
same that can be found on the back of
the tanyan coin and the river which runs
through the middle of the city makes for
a great afternoon walk you can also view
cormorant fishing here as well between
july and september a secret tip for
those who happen to be a nada on the
fourth saturday of january one of
japan's most incredible festivals is
held here on this day the wakakusa
yamiaki or literally grilled mountain
festival where you can witness an entire
mountain being set a blaze shortly after
the sun has set the scale of this event
can be witnessed from all over the town
but the best spots are definitely the
base of the mountain though you do need
to get there quite early to find a space
it's now time to get back somewhere a
bit more urban so we'll be spending the
next two days in osaka japan's third
largest city but you'll immediately
notice the difference between it and
tokyo osaka is louder grittier feels
more lived in people like to have fun
and love to eat when they come to osaka
this is a great time in your trip to
really let loose explore the back
streets and maybe do a bit of shopping
but don't fill up your bags just yet as
there will be another chance to at the
end of this trip dotonburi in the namba
minami area is the heart of osaka and
where you will find the iconic glycoman
sign at the ebc bridge this is where
everyone meets up for a night in the
town of osaka somewhat ironically as
you'll often have to wade through a sea
of other people also looking for their
friends but it's a local tradition along
the river and the shinsaibashi's
shopping streets have endless places to
grab a bite to eat and i recommend the
osaka specialty okonomiyaki and takoyaki
another great place to enjoy some street
food is just 20 minutes away in kobe
non-kinmachi chinatown is lined with
vendors who offer some of the most
delicious dumplings duck and steamed
pork buns i've ever tasted and you can
easily fill yourself up here for the day
for less than one or two thousand yen
but just be careful every time i've
tried to experience kobe beef i find
myself back in nankinmachi because it's
just that good kobe also holds a special
event over the christmas period called
the luminary one of the most spectacular
and largest lighting displays in the
world for some more things to do in
osaka i recommend the kaiyukan aquarium
the second largest in japan where you
can see giant deepwater japanese sea
crabs and even whale sharks universal
studios with its recently opened super
nintendo land shinsekai a retro street
famous for its neon lights and fried
kushikatsu sticks and osaka castle park
the park is a great place to relax in
the city and its ancient castle moat is
one of if not the largest and most
impressive in japan the castle is a
beautiful reconstruction and its
exterior is gorgeous but i would skip
going inside unless you really want to
see the view from the top as its
interior is really no different from any
modern building a much better
alternative is himeji castle which is 45
minutes away from osaka himeji can be
visited while you're still in osaka or
as you travel down to or back from
hiroshima himeji castle is without a
doubt japan's most prestigious and
extravagant castle with its massive size
and intricate detail it only takes a few
hours to view the castle so i wouldn't
really devote a whole day here but as a
side trip it's definitely worth it
for day 10 i'm going to show you a
secret little spot that you've likely
never heard of as we head south to
wakayama taking a short train to the
kata port and then a ferry to
tomogishima a series of four tiny
islands in the osaka bay between the
mainland and owaji here you'll find the
abandoned ruins of a fort built to
protect the bay from pirates what makes
this unique island so special is just
how freely you can explore the tunnels
and ruins of the red brick installation
it feels like a whole other world in
this place and the jungle moss and ruins
served as the inspiration for the studio
ghibli film lapida castle in the sky it
is also possible to camp on this island
but it can be comfortably explored in a
single day tomokoshima has been one of
my favourite hidden locations to visit
in japan and one of my top
recommendations for something a little
bit different but if a mysterious lost
island isn't your thing then dayton is a
great time to visit koyasan temple in
the mountains or naji falls both of
which can be found here in wakayama
[Music]
after leaving wakayama we begin to move
towards the chugaku or central region of
japan and hiroshima but not before
making some side trips and you can take
two different paths here this would also
be a good time to stop at himeji since
we're gonna go right past it before
stopping in onomichi a small town but
the gateway to the inland sea of japan
which shelters over 3 000 small islands
connected by bridges and fairies from
here you can either take a ferry to
visit okonoshima japan's rabbit island
where you can enjoy the seaside and feed
thousands of wild bunnies before
continuing to hiroshima or have a
luggage service send your bags ahead and
rent a bicycle for 1 000 a day and cross
what many consider to be the greatest
cycling course in the world the island
ocean road or shiminami kaido i would
absolutely recommend this course if
you're up for it and it can be completed
in one day if you start early enough or
set aside an additional day and take
your time while staying on the islands
the inland sea seems almost tropical
with 70 kilometers or 44 miles off
coastline to experience some of the best
sunsets in japan can be viewed here
especially over japan's longest bridge
the kureshi makaikyo which in itself is
four kilometers or two and a half miles
long which actually makes it longer than
mount fuji is tall it is possible to
visit both the rabbit island and
complete the shimonamikaido in a single
day but really only for an experienced
cyclist the beauty of renting a bike
along the inland sea is that you can
drop them off early at various points
and take ferries back or along to
hiroshima so you will not need to return
to onomichi after reaching ihime
provided that your luggage was indeed
sent forward
arriving in hiroshima either by ferry or
train this will be the last major city
before we return to tokyo hiroshima is a
relaxed city with trams running through
the streets and you could be forgiven
for forgetting that this was the
location of an atomic attack with just
how beautiful its streets have become
the only reminder being the ruins of the
genbaku or atomic dome a building which
ruins still stood after the atomic
attack and now serves as a reminder in
the peace park it is hard to describe
the feelings experienced visiting the
hiroshima peace memorial but it is
really something you should try to
experience at least once in your
lifetime
a short ferry ride from the city you'll
be able to visit itsukushima shrine on
miyajima island the location of the
famous red tory village and gate the
third and last nihon sangkai great view
of japan in recent years this site has
been undergoing renovations which are
said to be completed in 2022 but the
island itself is both peaceful and
historic a great quiet spot to reflect
on your trip and also to feed some more
deer which roam freely which brings us
to your last two days in japan returning
to tokyo by bullet train will take
several hours but feel free to get off
at any city you might have missed or
feel like you would like to explore more
this is the buffer time to cross
anything off from your list explore or
get your final shopping in before
returning home and this is when i really
like to do those small items that were
just not as important as the main
attractions like check out some capsule
hotels game arcades little hole in the
wall izakaya bars or just go around and
take photos of the city streets tokyo is
all about what you want to do and
finding your space to enjoy it but
consider taking this time to try
something outside your comfort zone if
you chose akihabara over harajuku why
not try the later now if just for the
experience go to that cat or mate cafe
if that's what you really wanted to do
even if it's just a good story to tell
your friends back home just enjoy
yourself because that's what travel is
all about i really packed a lot of
things into this itinerary because i
want to inspire you to have the best
time you can but not to worry if it's
too tight a schedule you can just pick
up the things that you liked the most
and drop those if you didn't i like to
do as much as possible when traveling
somewhere new but that's not for
everyone with that said let's take a
quick look at what all this would cost
the jr rail pass at time of recording
costs 47 250 yen or around 370 us
dollars this might sound high at first
but without this pass the same trains
would cost over 100 000 yen so it's
actually gonna save you hundreds of
dollars when used correctly
accommodation prices will vary of course
depending how you travel but a
reasonably comfortable hotel in japan
can be found for between three and five
thousand yen for a night for one person
so 56 000 yen or around 440 dollars is a
reasonable it is possible of course to
save more here and not have heard of to
find a cheaper hostel or capsule hotel
for around 2500 yen so you could save a
bit more money here as well if you
really wanted to for food and activities
you're going to be looking at around 15
000 yen a day to fully experience
everything or around 1200 us dollars
this is where the most flexibility will
come from sure it is possible to eat for
around 500 to 1000 yen a day eating out
of cambinis and then spend only two or
three thousand on activities which would
save yourself over 60 percent of this
cost but you probably wouldn't enjoy it
as much and it is a holiday after all
when all the said is done it is your
money though so spend it how you think
best but for me i'd budget this trip at
around 250 000 yen or 1980 us dollars
excluding flights i just love exploring
japan i had a lot of fun looking back at
the places i've visited over the years
there is just so much that you need to
see with your own eyes here and so much
more i have yet to see feel free to
leave any travel questions tips or
comments about my suggestions below and
i respond to each of them in time and if
you really want to see a great hidden
location in japan then you need to check
out this video where i visit guju
hachiman in the mountains of gifu
Просмотреть больше связанных видео
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DBVAAnq1dHo/hq720.jpg)
How to Spend 14 Days in JAPAN 🇯🇵 Ultimate Travel Itinerary
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4rLA1Sq2nts/hq720.jpg)
48 HOURS IN ROME - Our 18 Favourite Restaurants & Bars (Incl The Best Pasta & Gelato Of Our Lives)
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vhqcaonPnCA/hq720.jpg)
EPIC Madrid Food Tour (Best Tapas, Street Food, Pastries & More)
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Hfhs1qWe0Qw/hq720.jpg)
EPIC Seville Food Tour!
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hk0QEYGvgo0/hq720.jpg)
Epic all day 10 stop tapas crawl of Triana, Seville 🇪🇸.
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Gu7JDzo43Zs/hq720.jpg)
The PERFECT Trip to Madrid Spain! Best Things to Do & Eat (Travel Guide)
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)