6 Days in Japan - A Japan Guide
We spent 6 full days in Japan. If you include travel time, the trip was a total of 9 days. While it was a shorter trip, it was still packed and fun. I will be recapping what we did on our days here. In the coming weeks, I will share more in-depth posts about specific things we did, since they definitely deserve their own post!
Japan is a beautiful country. I’m so glad I got the opportunity to visit this year.
Total Days of Everything:
Travel Day – To Tokyo
2 Full days in Tokyo
1 Full day in Hakone
1 Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto
1 Full day in Kyoto
1 Day in Kyoto & Nara
Travel Day – To the States
We arrived in the evening. At the airport, we got our IC Cards, exchange cash, then got on a limousine bus to Shinjuku since that was where we were staying in Tokyo.
Things to do before your trip:
Get some cash. This way you have some on hand right away to exchange.
Tell your bank you’re traveling. This way you can use your card(s) at Point of Sale and ATMs.
Complete the Japan Custom online form. This makes going through immigration much quicker.
Tokyo Hotel: Hundred Stay in Shinjuku
DAY ONE - TOKYO
Inokashira Park
Our first day it was raining but we made it out to Inokashira Park anyway. This park is huge and beautiful. I now understand the hype. I can only imagine what it looks like during cherry blossom season and autumn. The trees and the pond—everything was beautiful.
We walked around for a little bit. Stopped by the temple. Rested under the huge trees to eat our onigiris we bought that morning.
If you’re in Tokyo, Inokashira Park is a must visit! On a sunny day, rent one of the paddle boats!
Nakachimi Street
This is a shopping street. There are a lot of cafes and and local stores here. It was cool to see all the different shops. We came by and stopped by Kichijoji Petit Village. There is a cat café and a restaurant in this “little village”. It looks straight out of a story book! It was really cool to see.
Harajuku
We stopped by Takeshita Street. It was busy but there’s so much here! There are a lot of food stalls here. You’ll find the rainbow grilled cheese sandwiches and colorful foods here. There are also animal cafes.
We stopped at a food center to grab coffee. If you’re into shopping, or want to visit an animal cafe, this may be a good place to visit.
We didn’t go in the surrounding areas, but I’ve heard that outside of Takeshita Street, there are great shopping and food too!
Meiji Shrine
This is across the tracks from Takeshita, but it has a completely different feel. The walkway to the shrine requires more walking but it takes you through tall trees and giant shrines. It was beautiful, and it was nice to get away from the bustle.
This is where you’ll find the Marriage Trees and the Wishing Tree. If you want, buy a wooden block, write down a wish/prayer, and place in by the wishing tree.
Meiji Shrine is quite popular. You’ll find tourists and locals alike visiting this shrine. I think it’s worth visiting. I loved the tranquility and peaceful atmosphere.
If you’re entering from the Harajuku Station entrance, you’ll find a coffee shop and the gift shop.
We were able to RSVP to this coveted café for afternoon tea. This café is quite small in size, but their décor is beautiful. The theme this time was hydrangeas, which was amazing because hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers.
The food was good. I loved that everything was themed and seasonal. If you can book tickets here, highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy afternoon tea.
They do sell out fast so the earlier you can book, the better! If you don’t speak Japanese, you can use their English website to RSVP.
Unfortunately, it was cloudy went we went and it’s been raining all day so the rooftop area was closed. But it was still nice to see the views of Tokyo from above.
Definitely recommend going on a clear and dry day!
You can book your tickets online. I recommend doing this because tickets sell out fast! Don’t wait to get them at the door.
Shibuya Crossing
If you’re stopping by Shibuya station, you’ll probably cross at the Shibuya crossing. We crossed here three times during our visit.
We also met up with some friends in Shibuya. We went to a local izakaya which was fun to experience!
DAY TWO – TOKYO
We got up early to take the train to Teamlabs Planet. When we arrived, the entrance line was already around the corner. But every ticket is timed so once the door opened, it didn’t take long until we were inside.
If you love immersive exhibits or immersive art, this is a must do! I loved that everything was immersive—from the moment you enter the grounds to when you leave. It was so cool.
Definitely take your time! Experience every exhibits to your hearts content before moving on to the next. There’s no time limit (except for the flower one), so take your time.
You can purchase your tickets online.
Ginza
We stopped by Ginza to shop and explore. This is where you’ll find international and luxury brands. If you’re into shopping, Ginza may be a place to stop.
We also got lunch here at a local ramen shop. The ramen was so good.
We went to Itoya, a huge stationery store! They have cute stationery here and even have some luxury pens that were amazing.
Asakusa
We ended our day at Asakusa. We walked down Nakamise Dori, which is the street you go through to get to Senso-ji Temple. There are a lot of souvenir shops and food stands here.
We also walked around the area, and it’s huge! There are endless local shops and eateries here. We didn’t even get to explore it all.
Senso-ji Temple is also huge and beautiful. Don’t forget to the visit the surrounding shrines and gardens. These areas are less crowded but still beautiful.
We also met up with some friends in Asakusa. We had noodles at a local restaurant then went to an izakaya.
DAY THREE – HAKONE
We took the RomanceCar train from Shinjuku to Hakone. The train ride was only a hour and a half which was nice.
Hakone is known of its onsens, Japanese traditional bath houses. However, we were only there for a day so we didn’t have time to visit an onsen. If you plan to visit Hakone for at least 2 days, highly recommend visiting an onsen!
Things we did in Hakone:
Ropeway
Owakudani
Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi
Onshi-Hakone Park
Shopping
Hakone shrine
We bought the Hakone Day pass. If you’re looking to do things in Hakone, I recommend looking into the Day pass. It’s good for 2 days. Even though we only went for a day, the pass was still much cheaper than if we would have paid for everything without the pass.
You can get the Hakone Day pass online here or online here.
DAY FOUR – TRAVEL TO KYOTO
Kyoto hotel:
We took the Shinkansen train to Kyoto from Tokyo.
The train ride was about 3 hours long.
We bought Bento boxes to eat on the train. Shinkansen is the only train that you’re allowed to eat in. We also got tickets for the right side of the train so we can see Mt Fuji when the train goes pass.
After arriving in Kyoto Station, we walked to our hotel to check-in.
We stayed at Mercure Kyoto Station. A beautiful hotel and walkable from the station.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
After check-in we took the train to Fushimi Inari Taisha. This is where you’ll find the infamous red torii gates in Kyoto. This shrine is huge!
We didn’t make it all the way to the mountain top, but it was still beautiful to see. You’ll find smaller shrines along the pathway.
Definitely worth visiting. We arrived in the afternoon/evening and while there were people, it wasn’t as crowded as I expected.
DAY FIVE – KYOTO
Gion
We rented kimonos from Okamoto Kimono Rental, their Yasaka Shrine location. After getting dressed, we went to explore Yasaka shrine and take pictures.
There was also a traditional Japanese wedding happening at the shrine that day. It was so cool to witness!
Nishiki Market
We got lunch at a restaurant near Nishiki Market. After lunch we explored Nishiki Market. It was so cool to see. There a lot of eateries and food shops here.
Ninenzaka
After lunch, we returned our kimonos then headed to Ninenzaka to visit the infamous Starbucks there.
The walk from Yasaka is about 15 minutes.
On the way there we walked through an area with traditional Kyoto homes. Photos were not allowed, to help preserve the area, but it was so beautiful to see and walk through.
This entire area was so cool to visit. Almost all the shops were in traditional Japanese buildings. There are a lot of cafes and shops here so it gets pretty busy.
Even so, it was still so cool to see. Definitely worth stopping by!
Kinkajuji Palace
We took the bus to Kinkajuji Palace. This place was beautiful! From the garden to the golden palace, it was just so cool to see.
It is more north compare to everything else near city center Kyoto, but if you have time, definitely add it to your itinerary.
You have to pay to get in, but you can pay at the door. When we went it was 500 yen per person.
Dinner & Karaoke
We got dinner at an Izakya near Kyoto station. After dinner we went to a karaoke bar. This was probably one of the biggest karaoke bars I’ve ever been do. There were so many individual rooms!
If you love karaoke, definitely check out karaoke in Japan.
DAY SIX – KYOTO & NARA
Arashiyama
We started the day by doing to Arashiyama. We visited the infamous bamboo forest. Then visited Tenryu-ji Temple. Both were absolutely stunning and beautiful and serene.
If you’re in Kyoto, put Arashiyama on the list!
We also walked through the kimono forest at Arashiyama station. It was nice to see all the different patterns.
Then we stopped by Togetsukyo Bridge. The bridge crosses the Katsura River. The views were amazing here. This area is a beautiful place to rest and enjoy.
Nara
After Arashiyama, we grabbed a quick lunch at Kyoto station before heading to Nara.
We visited Nara Park. Yes, where you can feed the deer! There are a lot of tourists now so the deer actually keep to themselves. The only time they chase you is if you are feeding them or you have the crackers on you. It was still so cool to see the way the deer just wander around the park.
Todai-ji Temple
This temple was HUGE! Everything from the stairs to the door to the décor—it was huge. Very beautiful, located in Nara Park. Stop by if you enjoy visiting temples.
You have to pay to get in. But you can pay at the door.
Mt Wakakusa
It was late so the door to climb the mountain closed, but it was still nice to see it. I can only imagine the view from the top!
We grabbed dinner near Kintetsu-Nara station before heading back to Kyoto.
Once in Kyoto we made a quick stop by Kiyamachi Dori. It’s a beautiful area. Definitely lively at night if you’re into night-life. Then we called it a night.
The next day we just got up, took the limousine bus to Osaka airport, then headed back to the states.
ABOUT FOOD:
I don’t really have food recommendations because everyone’s taste and preference is different. With that said, all the restaurants we went to had great food. We just walked around until we were hungry, then popped into an open restaurant and dine-in.
If you’re into street food, they also have great street food. I especially love their “dessert” street foods.
GETTING AROUND:
Public Transportation, if you’re not accustomed to taking public transportation, it may seem intimidating. But public transportation in Japan is quite good & reliable.
Your IC Card can get you on most trains & buses across the country.
Google Maps is also essential! Plug in your destination and it’ll tell you which train or bus to get on and get off.
Japan was a quick but beautiful trip. I can’t wait to share more with you in the coming days.
Connect with me on Instagram: @mainouexplores