How To Spend Two Weeks in Japan - A Travel Itinerary

Summary

This 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

00:00

🌸 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.

05:02

🏙️ 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.

10:03

🗻 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.

15:05

🍢 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.

20:06

🏞️ 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.

Keywords

💡Tokyo

Tokyo is the bustling capital city of Japan and a central theme in the video script. It is depicted as a modern mega city that offers a plethora of attractions and experiences for tourists. The script mentions various districts such as Shibuya, Harajuku, Akihabara, and the Imperial Gardens as places of interest, highlighting Tokyo's role as a vibrant hub for culture, technology, and entertainment.

💡Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is Japan's most iconic and majestic mountain, and it holds a significant place in the script as a must-visit destination. It is mentioned in the context of the countryside of Yamanashi, where travelers can glimpse its grandeur. The mountain is also associated with various activities like exploring the Fuji Five Lakes and potentially climbing it, emphasizing its importance in the travel itinerary.

💡Kyoto

Kyoto is referred to as Japan's cultural soul and is a focal point in the script for its traditional streets, temples, and shrines. The city is highlighted for its historical significance and spiritual atmosphere, offering a stark contrast to the modernity of Tokyo. Specific locations such as Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), and Arashiyama are mentioned, showcasing Kyoto's rich cultural heritage.

💡Osaka

Osaka is presented in the script as Japan's third-largest city, known for its culinary excellence and vibrant atmosphere. It is distinguished from Tokyo by its grittier, more lived-in feel, and the locals' love for fun and food. The script suggests trying local specialties like okonomiyaki and takoyaki, and visiting places like Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, emphasizing Osaka's reputation as a foodie's paradise.

💡Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a significant city in the script due to its historical context as the location of the first atomic bomb during World War II. The city is now portrayed as a beautiful and peaceful place, with the Genbaku (Atomic) Dome serving as a reminder of the past and a symbol of peace. The script also mentions Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine, known for the famous red torii gate, as places of reflection and tranquility.

💡Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass is a key concept in the script as it is the suggested mode of transportation for traveling within Japan. It is described as a cost-effective way to explore various cities using the country's excellent train network. The pass is available for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days and covers most transport on the JR lines, making it an essential tool for tourists.

💡Cultural Experiences

Cultural experiences are a central theme in the script, emphasizing the depth and diversity of Japanese traditions and history. Examples include visiting temples and shrines, exploring traditional streets in Kyoto, witnessing geisha performances, and experiencing festivals like the Wakakusa Yamaaki. These experiences provide insight into Japan's rich cultural heritage.

💡Culinary Delights

The script highlights the culinary delights that Japan offers, making it a food lover's paradise. From sushi and traditional Japanese food in Tokyo to the street food in Osaka, including okonomiyaki and takoyaki, the video emphasizes the importance of tasting local cuisine as part of the travel experience. It also mentions unique food-related activities like feeding monkeys at Iwatayama Monkey Park.

💡Spring and Autumn

Spring and Autumn are highlighted as the most beautiful seasons to visit Japan, particularly for their natural beauty. The script mentions the sakura (cherry blossoms) in spring and momiji (maple leaves) in autumn, both of which are iconic symbols of Japan's seasonal changes. These seasons are recommended for their picturesque landscapes and cultural events.

💡Travel Itinerary

The travel itinerary is a fundamental concept in the script, outlining a suggested two-week journey through various regions in Japan. It serves as a guide for potential travelers, providing a comprehensive plan that includes major cities, cultural hotspots, and natural wonders. The itinerary is designed to offer a balanced experience of Japan's history, culture, technology, and natural beauty.

💡Hidden Gems

Hidden gems are special locations or experiences that are not commonly known but offer unique and memorable moments. The script introduces several such gems, like the abandoned fort on Tomogshima, the tranquility of the Inland Sea, and the picturesque Amanohashidate. These hidden gems add an element of discovery and surprise to the travel experience.

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