14 Days in Japan

With endless things to do and areas to explore, planning a trip to Japan can be overwhelming. I’m going to share a day-by-day itinerary of what I did…and ate.

Day 1: Taito, Shinjuku & Night time views

Starting off in Tokyo, my hostel was located in Taito so I explored the small nearby village of Yanaka, filled with independent shops and bakeries.

Heading over to the bustling Shinjuku, I made a brief stop at Hanazono Shrine; a small yet charming Shinto shrine.

Hours can easily be spent strolling around Shinjuku, but my highlights were the famous Cat Crossing, Godzilla head and of course Don Quijote.

Whilst Shibuya Sky is a popular viewpoint recommended by many, I wanted to see the sunset over Tokyo so opted for the (free) Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Still with 360 views and open till 10pm, this was a great way to save money and see the spectacular sunset views.

Now that its night, I headed to Senso-ji temple to get some less crowded, more impressive (in my opinion) views. This is a free temple open 24 hours!

Finally, I finished my first day with some well deserved sushi. Kura Sushi is a super affordable (and delicious) conveyor belt restaurant with hundreds of chains across Tokyo, and where I spent most of my meals.

Day 2: Kamakura

Just an hour away from Tokyo, Kamakura is a seaside town with charming streets, nature and a beach where (if you’re lucky) you can get a great view of Mt Fuji.

Day 3: Yayoi Kusama, Harajuku & Meiji Temple

First stop of the day was the Yayoi Kusama museum, a fascinating but very small gallery.

Next stop was the eccentric Harajuku district. To start I indulged in the famous souffle pancakes from Happy Pancake, then secured my spot in the 2 hour wait for a bowl of carbonara udon from Menchirashi. Luckily, you can continue your shopping whilst waiting for the alert that your table is ready.

Finally, the last stop was Meiji Temple:

Day 4: Ramen, cherry blossoms and Tokyo Tower

Starting the day with a filling meal, I had probably the best ramen I’ve ever had from a restaurant called Oreryu Shio-Ramen in Shinjuku.

Shinjuku Park had a small, but worthwhile, entrance fee for the equivalent of £5. Breathtaking cherry blossoms and meticulously groomed gardens kept me busy for hours.

Once the sun began to set, I made my way to the iconic Tokyo Tower.

Day 5: Fish Market sushi & Izakuras

Toyosu Market is an iconic fish market where auctions take place early in the morning. It is also where you can get the best sushi of your life!

The alleys of Shinjuku come alive at night with hundreds of tiny bars and yakitori restaurants called Izakayas. I explored Omide Yokocho in particular as it is more affordable than Golden Gai.

Day 6: Traditional houses & rainy Shibuya

I started my morning visiting the souvenir streets surrounding Senso-ji temple, filled with women dressed in kimonos.

Kyu asakura house, located near Shibuya, is a taisho-era heritage building and an enchanting escape from the busy city:

Although it began to rain and snow, I decided to watch the bustling Shibuya Crossing from the ground and from above in the Hikarie Building’s 11th floor.

Day 7: Arriving in Kyoto

I hopped on the infamous Shinkansen bullet train, taking a mere 2 hours to get to Kyoto from Tokyo. Once I checked into my hostel, I explored the Gion area where you can spot traditional houses and Geisha.

Yasui Kompiragu Shrine:

Exploring the streets of Gion:

Okonomiyaki for dinner (Japanese pancake) at Gion Tanto:

Hokan-ji Temple & Yas aka Shrine by night:

Day 8: Temples, parks & shopping

Kiyomizu-dera Temple:

Soy Mochi & Souffle pancake from Blue Fir Tree:

I then visited Maruyama park and Shinkyogoku for shopping!

Day 9: Ninenzaka & Fushimi Inari

Early morning visit to Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka street & the coolest Starbucks:

Komyo In (peaceful traditional house):

Fushimi Inari & a night hike:

Day 10: Temples, night markets & alleyways

Weekenders Cafe for a morning coffee:

Heian Jingu Temple & Gardens:

Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple:

Nishiki Market & dipping noodles at Mensho Takamatsu:

Pontocho alley:

Day 11: Kyoto’s Bamboo forests

Macca House Matcha Tiramisu to start the day:

Rakusai Bamboo Park for a less crowded experience:

Arashiyama & its busier but impressive bamboo forest:

Day 12: Osaka

Just a 30 minute train journey away, I arrived at my next destination; Osaka!

Osaka Castle & a sea of cherry blossoms:

Namba Yasaka Jinja:

Dotonbori by day:

Tsutenkaku: a retro dream

Day 13: Nara & Dotonbori by night

Just a short train ride away is a small town famed for their wild deer. Right after stepping out the station you will find yourself surrounded by these deer, eager for rice cracker snacks. I personally did not purchase any as they get plenty from the floods of tourists everyday (plus they get quite aggressive when they know you have them!).