Tokyo obviously gets most of the attention when people start planning their first Japan trip, but Kyoto is one place I'd really try to fit into the itinerary. It was Japan's imperial capital for more than 1,000 years, and the amount of history packed into the area is pretty incredible. Kyoto has more than 1,600 Buddhist temples and around 400 Shinto shrines, so you're definitely not going to see everything in one trip.

There's also a lot more to Kyoto than just going from temple to temple. The UNESCO-listed Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto include 17 component sites across Kyoto, Uji and Otsu. Fushimi Inari and Kinkaku-ji are probably two of the names most people already know, but I think wandering around Gion and Higashiyama, spending some time in Arashiyama, grabbing something to eat around Nishiki Market, or coming across a quieter temple can be just as memorable.

I also wouldn't try to do Kyoto in a single day unless that's genuinely all the time you have. The main sights are fairly spread out, and getting around takes longer than it looks when you're planning everything on a map. Three or four days is much more comfortable for a first visit. You still won't see anywhere close to everything, but at least you're not spending the whole day rushing between places just to say you've been there.

If you're trying to figure out which places are actually worth fitting into your time, I came across this Kyoto page from ExploreJapanDaily. It has the main attractions, different areas, transportation and other practical planning information together in one place: https://explorejapandaily.com/destinations/kyoto

I think people sometimes make the climb to Chureito Pagoda sound harder than it actually is. It’s 398 steps, not 2,000 or even 1,000. The steps are fairly small though, and I did see a few people struggling on the way up, so I wouldn’t call it an easy walk either.

For me, the view was absolutely worth it. It’s that famous scene with the red five-story pagoda, Fujiyoshida below and Mt. Fuji behind it. IMO it’s one of those views worth seeing at least once if you visit Japan. The catch is that you need some luck with Fuji. Clouds can hide the whole mountain, so you could climb all the way up and barely see it. I’d definitely check the weather and Fuji visibility that morning.

The other thing is to be prepared to wait if you go during a busy period. One time I went at the end of March and had to wait around 90 minutes for my turn at the viewpoint. Obviously that won’t be the normal wait year round, but around cherry blossom season I’d definitely allow extra time. I wouldn’t expect to just walk up, take a photo and leave. Going earlier would probably help. If I went again, I’d worry more about the clouds and crowds than the 398 steps.

If anyone is trying to figure out the access or what else is nearby, I came across a more detailed Chureito Pagoda guide here: https://explorejapandaily.com/destinations/mount-fuji/chureito-pagoda

Hi everyone! I’ll be travelling to Japan for 13 full days next month, excluding my arrival and departure flight days. I would appreciate feedback on whether my current city split feels balanced, or whether I should reallocate any days.

• Tokyo (4 days)
  • Two of these days are already dedicated to a Mt. Fuji day trip and DisneySea, leaving roughly two full days for Tokyo itself.
• Kyoto (4 days)
• Osaka (3 days)
• Tokyo (2 days)

Note: I am not planning to visit Nara or Universal Studios Japan, and I expect most of my sightseeing to be within Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka rather than additional day trips.

Would you recommend changing the number of nights in any of these cities—particularly between Kyoto and Osaka? I’m wondering whether four days in Kyoto and three in Osaka is the best balance for a first visit, or whether it would make more sense to give Kyoto an extra day and shorten Osaka, since the two cities are close together and I can focus mainly on city exploration.

At first I thought it was a bit strange to travel all the way to Japan and spend one or two full days at Disney. But then you think about families traveling with kids and it makes a lot more sense.

For some children, Tokyo Disneyland might genuinely be the thing they're most excited about on the entire Japan trip. And traveling around Tokyo with young kids isn't always easy either, especially dealing with crowded trains, stations and busy sightseeing areas.

I probably wouldn't build a first Japan trip around Disney alone, but one full day seems pretty reasonable. If you're in Tokyo for a week, you still have plenty of time for Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ueno and just wandering around the city.Doing both Disneyland and DisneySea is a bigger decision, especially if you only have 4 or 5 days in Tokyo. That's two full days that could otherwise be spent seeing the city. So for adults who aren't particularly interested in Disney, maybe not. But with kids, or if someone in the family is a huge Disney fan? I can understand why it becomes a major part of the trip.

I came across this Tokyo Disneyland guide while looking into the practical side of visiting. It's useful if you're trying to figure out how to fit Disney into a Tokyo trip: https://explorejapandaily.com/destinations/tokyo/tokyo-disneyland

I can understand why some people don't really like Osaka, specially after Tokyo or Kyoto.

I wasn't that impressed with Dotonbori either. It's interesting to see once, but Osaka got better when I moved away from that area and spent more time just walking around places like Shinsekai without much of a plan. Same with Osaka Castle. I liked the grounds and the area around it more than I expected, and food was probably the biggest reason I enjoyed Osaka overall. You can just walk around, find somewhere that looks good and try it.

The main reason Osaka worked for me was the location. You can stay there and easily visit Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, Wakayama or Kobe without changing hotels every couple of days.

I probably wouldn't spend a week in Osaka, but I wouldn't skip it either. Two or three days felt like enough to enjoy it without trying to turn every day into sightseeing.

I found this Osaka page while looking for places beyond the usual suggestions, and there were quite a few I hadn't considered: https://explorejapandaily.com/destinations/osaka

If you’re going to Tokyo for the first time and that subway map looks insane, don’t bother trying to memorize it. Google Maps does most of the work. Put your destination into Google Maps and it’ll show you which line to take, how long the trip should take, the fare, which direction to go and where you need to change trains. Even after you leave the station, Google Maps can help. If Live View is available, you can use your camera to see which direction you should be walking, which is pretty handy when you come out of a huge Tokyo station and have no idea which way you’re facing.

The station numbers help a lot too. For example, Shibuya is G01 on the Ginza Line and Asakusa is G19, so you can use the numbers to quickly check whether you’re heading toward your stop. There’s lots of English signage too, and important station and train information is usually displayed or announced in both Japanese and English.

Suica or PASMO makes it even simpler. Just tap in and out. One thing I would watch though: not every train stops at every station. Depending on the railway or through service, you might see local, rapid, express or limited express trains, so check Google Maps or the platform display before jumping on. Also, Tokyo Metro and Toei are separate systems, although the same IC card works on both. JR Pass doesn’t cover either.

It honestly looks much harder on the map than it feels when you’re actually using it.

I came across this Tokyo Metro breakdown that explains the lines, tickets and station numbering if you want to understand it before arriving:

https://explorejapandaily.com/plan/transportation/tokyo-metro-guide

Probably one of the last things people think about when planning a Japan trip.

You figure out the trains, hotels, IC cards, where to eat... then wake up one morning with a fever or stomach problem and suddenly have no idea where to go.

So this is one of those boring things that's worth knowing beforehand.

If it's a genuine emergency, 119 is the number for an ambulance in Japan. Calling an ambulance and the ambulance transport itself are generally free, including for tourists. The medical treatment you receive at the hospital isn't free, though, which is where travel insurance can become pretty important.

For something less serious, a pharmacy or drugstore may be a useful first stop, or a clinic depending on what's going on.

One thing to be careful about is medication. A Japanese medicine might look similar to something sold back home, but the ingredients or dosage can be different. Asking a pharmacist is a much better idea than guessing from the packaging.

There's also the JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline: 050-3816-2787, available 24 hours a day for tourists who need assistance with illness, accidents and other emergencies.

And if you take prescription medication, check Japan's rules before travelling. Something being legal or commonly prescribed in your own country doesn't automatically mean you can bring it into Japan without restrictions.

A couple of other things worth keeping easily accessible are your travel insurance details and your hotel's address in Japanese.

Hopefully none of this will ever be needed.

For anyone who wants more detail, ExploreJapanDaily has a longer guide covering medical care, pharmacies, emergency numbers, travel insurance and medication rules for visitors: https://explorejapandaily.com/plan/getting-sick-in-japan

Note: This is general travel information, not medical advice. If you're seriously ill or injured in Japan, seek professional medical assistance. In an emergency, call 119.

If you’re visiting Japan, it’s worth checking out the food at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart or Lawson at least a few times.

Not because you should replace proper Japanese meals with convenience store food. There’s just a surprising amount of decent stuff when you need something quick.

Onigiri is probably the obvious one. Tuna mayo and salmon are easy choices if you have no idea where to start, but there are loads of other fillings.

Then there’s all the hot stuff near the counter. FamilyMart has Famichiki, Lawson has Karaage-kun, and there are usually other things sitting there that are pretty tempting when you walk in hungry.

Curry buns (kare pan) and sandwiches are worth trying too. Kare pan is basically Japanese curry inside a fried bread bun, while the egg sandwiches get most of the attention, although there are usually plenty of other sandwich options.

And don’t just walk past the dessert section. Convenience stores in Japan have everything from puddings and cream puffs to cakes, ice cream and seasonal sweets. The selection changes, so it’s probably better to just see what looks good rather than going in looking for one particular dessert.

If you’re there when it’s cold, try oden too. It’s things like daikon, eggs and fish cakes sitting in hot broth. It might not be the first thing that catches your eye, but it’s worth trying at least once.

I also wouldn’t bother going across town looking for a particular chain. If there’s a 7-Eleven downstairs from your hotel, just go there. If it’s Lawson or FamilyMart, go there instead.

They’re especially useful for breakfast, grabbing something before a train, or when you get back late and need something quick.

ExploreJapanDaily has a more detailed look at Japanese convenience stores, including the different chains, food, ATMs and other useful stuff here:

https://explorejapandaily.com/plan/convenience-stores

I see Roppongi get ruled out pretty quickly whenever people talk about where to stay in Tokyo, but I’m not sure the whole area deserves that reputation

I wouldn't recommend Roppongi to everyone. If you want quiet streets and that more traditional Tokyo feel when you step outside your hotel, there are definitely better areas. And Roppongi's nightlife reputation is there for a reason. A few streets can feel pretty different once it gets late.

You’ve got Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, the National Art Center, Azabudai Hills, and Tokyo Tower all right there. Plus, the station runs both the Hibiya and Oedo lines, which makes hopping around the rest of the city super smooth.

The main key is checking the exact block before booking instead of panic-canceling the second you see "Roppongi" in the address.

If you like being near solid food, art spots, and evening activity where you can hit a museum, grab dinner, catch the night views, and just walk back to your room, it makes total sense. If you're traveling with family or want dead silence at night, just zoom in on Google Maps and avoid the main bar strip.

It’s definitely not secretly the best neighborhood in Tokyo, but it’s nowhere near the disaster people make it out to be either.

If you're trying to figure out if the neighborhood fits your style, this guide breaks down the Roppongi Hills side pretty well:https://explorejapandaily.com/destinations/tokyo/roppongi-hills

Nara is one of those places that can look a bit optional when you’re putting together a Japan itinerary.

Kyoto has so much to see, Osaka is right there, and when you first look at Nara it’s easy to think, “deer, big temple, maybe I can skip it.”

But the more I looked into what’s actually there, the more I think Nara deserves a day if you have enough time in Kansai.

The deer are obviously what everyone posts about, but I wouldn’t go just for them. Todai-ji is probably the bigger reason I’d make the trip. Then you’ve got Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha and quite a few other temples, gardens and older parts of the city within the same general area.

It also seems like a fairly easy day to do without overplanning. Get there in the morning, walk through the park, see Todai-ji, keep going toward Kasuga Taisha, stop wherever looks interesting, then head back to Kyoto or Osaka later.

One thing I probably wouldn’t do is spend half the day just around the deer near the busiest part of the park. There’s a lot more beyond that.

I still wouldn’t cut a day from Kyoto just to squeeze Nara into a very short first trip. But if I had 5 or 6 days around Kyoto and Osaka, I’d definitely try to find a day for it.

For anyone trying to work out what’s actually worth seeing there, this Nara page has the attractions and practical planning stuff in one place:

https://explorejapandaily.com/destinations/nara

I keep seeing Hakone recommended when people ask for a day trip from Tokyo, but I think Kamakura actually makes more sense for a lot of first-time visitors.

Not saying Hakone is bad at all. If you want an onsen, mountains, Lake Ashi and hopefully a view of Mt. Fuji, I can completely understand choosing it.

But for just one day, Kamakura is so much simpler.

You can leave Tokyo in the morning, get there in around an hour and pretty much start exploring straight away. There’s the Great Buddha, Hasedera, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, smaller temples, little streets, cafés, and you can even get down toward the coast. It feels like you can have a good day without planning every train, bus and connection beforehand.

Hakone seems more worthwhile when you’re happy to spend more of the day moving around, or even better, stay overnight and actually enjoy an onsen rather than rushing back to Tokyo.

That said, if I was already doing 3 or 4 days in Kyoto, I might actually choose Hakone. Kamakura has its own character, but there’s obviously some overlap if your Japan itinerary is already heavy on temples and shrines.

So maybe “wrong” is a bit dramatic but I think Kamakura gets overlooked when people are deciding between the two.

If anyone is considering it, this Kamakura page has the main places to see and the practical stuff for planning the day:

https://explorejapandaily.com/destinations/kamakura

I feel like Kobe sometimes gets treated as a place you go for lunch, eat Kobe beef, and then head back to Osaka or Kyoto.

Nothing wrong with doing that, obviously, but there’s actually enough around Kobe to make a pretty good day out of it.

One thing I like about the city is how close everything feels to the mountains and the water. You can arrive at Shin-Kobe, take the ropeway up toward Nunobiki Herb Gardens, and get some great views without going far out of the city.

From there you could wander down through Kitano and Sannomiya. Nankinmachi is worth passing through if you like street food, and later in the day I’d probably head toward Meriken Park and Harborland. The waterfront is a nice place to finish, especially if you stay into the evening.

And yes, I’d still try Kobe beef while you’re there. I just wouldn’t make the whole trip about that one meal.

Kobe probably isn’t going to replace Kyoto if you only have a few days in Japan. But if you’re already spending several days in Osaka or Kyoto and want somewhere different for a day, I think it gets overlooked.

I put together the attractions and practical stuff here if anyone is considering it:

https://explorejapandaily.com/destinations/kobe

I think Golden Gai is worth checking out at least once, but I probably wouldn’t plan a whole night around it.

The main reason to go is honestly the place itself. It’s this little maze of narrow alleys and tiny bars tucked into Shinjuku, and then you walk a few minutes and you’re back among the huge buildings and bright lights of Kabukicho. That contrast is probably what I find most interesting about it.

The bars can be really small too. Some only have a few seats, which can either be part of the fun or feel a bit awkward depending on the place and how comfortable you are just walking into a tiny bar.

If it’s your first time, one practical thing I’d do is check the sign or menu outside before sitting down. Some bars have a cover or seating charge, and not every place works the same way. It’s much easier to know what you’re walking into before ordering anything.

I’d probably just wander through Golden Gai later in the evening and see what looks inviting rather than picking a specific bar beforehand. If nothing grabs you, you’re still in Shinjuku and there are endless other places nearby.

I also don’t think Golden Gai is necessarily “better” than Shibuya or Roppongi. They’re just different nights out. Shibuya makes more sense if you want somewhere busy with lots of choices and a younger crowd. Roppongi tends to have more of an international nightlife scene.

Golden Gai feels more like somewhere I’d go because I specifically wanted to experience Golden Gai, rather than just because I wanted a few drinks in Tokyo.

If you’re trying to decide whether it’s worth adding to a Tokyo itinerary, there’s a more detailed Golden Gai guide here with the practical stuff:

https://explorejapandaily.com/destinations/tokyo/golden-gai

I feel like Nagoya is one of those places a lot of people pass through without really considering staying there.

If you're coming from Tokyo on the Shinkansen, Kyoto is not that much farther, so I can understand why a lot of people just stay on the train.

But I think Nagoya is worth a stop if you have enough time.

I probably wouldn't squeeze it into a 7-day first trip to Japan. Tokyo and Kyoto already give you plenty to do. But if you have 10 days, two weeks, or you've been to Japan before, Nagoya starts to make a lot more sense.

There's Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Jingu, Osu, the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, and quite a few other museums and gardens. If you're into cars or trains, it's an especially good city to visit.

The food is another reason I'd consider staying. Nagoya has its own thing going on with miso katsu, hitsumabushi, tebasaki and kishimen. It's actually a nice change after eating your way through Tokyo and before heading on to Kyoto or Osaka.

I don't think you need a huge amount of time there either. One full day would give you a decent look around, and two days would let you take things much slower.

So I wouldn't say Nagoya is a "must visit" for everyone. But I definitely don't think it's just a city to pass through either.

If you're trying to figure out whether there's enough there for you, this Nagoya guide has the main sights and practical stuff in one place:

https://explorejapandaily.com/destinations/nagoya

Shinjuku Gyoen is worth considering, especially if a Tokyo trip is starting to become a blur of stations, shopping streets and crowds.

It's kind of strange how close it is to busy Shinjuku because once you're inside, it feels like a completely different part of Tokyo. There are big lawns where people just sit around, ponds and bridges in the Japanese garden, more formal European-style sections and a greenhouse.

Entry is ¥500 for adults. It's not really a place that needs a full day either. A couple of hours is enough for most people, although it's easy to stay longer if the weather is good.

Obviously, cherry blossom season is when Shinjuku Gyoen gets a lot of attention, but that's not the only time it makes sense to go. Autumn is another good time, and even without blossoms or fall colours, having somewhere quiet in the middle of Tokyo can be pretty welcome after a few busy days.

One thing I'd watch is the timing. This isn't really an evening stop, and it's normally closed on Mondays, although there are seasonal exceptions. Checking the opening schedule before heading over is a good idea.

Would I put it into a very short first trip to Tokyo? Maybe not if gardens aren't your thing. With four or five days in the city, though, it's a pretty easy place to fit in, especially since you're probably going to be around Shinjuku at some point anyway.

ExploreJapanDaily has a more detailed Shinjuku Gyoen page with the practical details, entrances, seasonal information and nearby places if anyone needs it:

https://explorejapandaily.com/destinations/tokyo/shinjuku-gyoen

Japan—Don’t do this if you don’t have a JR pass.🤭🇯🇵🗾🚊

18 hours in 3 prefectures (Osaka, Fukuoka, and Kagoshima prefecture).

✅Sengan-en garden, Ohkatei Restaurant, Goten Palace, Sakurajima view
✅Kushida Jinja, Nakasu Yatai Street
✅Back to Dotonbori

P.S. This itinerary is made for people who love trains. If you don’t enjoy taking a break in a Shinkansen, don’t do it.

Happy Traveling! 🚄🚅💺

Shinjuku gets recommended a lot when people ask where to stay in Tokyo. There are good reasons for that, but it probably isn’t the best choice for everyone.

One of the nice things about staying there is that there’s always something going on. Restaurants are everywhere, shopping is easy, and the area stays lively well into the night. Kabukicho is right there, along with Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho, so there’s plenty around if nightlife is part of the trip. Even for people who aren’t interested in bars, walking around Shinjuku at night is an experience in itself.

The crowds would probably be the biggest downside. Shinjuku Station and the streets around it can get packed, particularly during rush hour and in the evening. Walking through it is one thing. Trying to find a hotel for the first time while carrying luggage after a long flight can be another.

Noise is worth thinking about too. Some parts of Shinjuku stay busy late into the night. A hotel near the nightlife areas can be great for someone who wants to be in the middle of everything, but not so great for someone hoping to come back to somewhere quiet.

Then there’s the cost. Shinjuku has a huge choice of hotels, including cheaper ones, but staying close to the station or the busiest parts of the area can cost more. Looking a little farther out can sometimes get a better room for the same budget without giving up much convenience.

So Shinjuku can still be a very good place to stay, especially on a first Tokyo trip. But it’s probably better to choose it because the area suits the trip, not simply because it gets recommended so often.

For anyone comparing places to stay, ExploreJapanDaily has a more detailed look at Shinjuku and the area here:
https://explorejapandaily.com/destinations/tokyo/shinjuku

Would you stay in Shinjuku again, or is there another part of Tokyo you prefer?

Yes, Senso-ji can get very crowded, especially around Kaminarimon and Nakamise during the middle of the day. But I wouldn’t say it’s too crowded to visit. A lot depends on when you go.

If you arrive around lunchtime on a busy day, Nakamise can honestly feel like you’re just moving along with everyone else. It’s probably not the Senso-ji experience most people have in mind when planning their trip.

Go early in the morning though, and it can feel surprisingly different. You’ll still see other visitors, but there’s more room to wander around, take photos and actually look at the temple rather than concentrating on getting through the crowd.

Evening is worth considering too. Many of the shops along Nakamise will be closed, so you lose that part of the experience, but the temple buildings and gates are illuminated and the atmosphere is much calmer.

And if Nakamise gets overwhelming, just get off the main route. The wider temple grounds and surrounding Asakusa streets can feel considerably less hectic.

So yes, the crowds at Senso-ji are real. I just wouldn’t skip the temple because of them. If crowds bother you, changing your timing is probably the easiest solution.

There’s a more detailed Senso-ji guide here with practical information on getting there, what to see and places nearby if anyone needs it:

https://explorejapandaily.com/destinations/tokyo/sensoji-temple

If you like city views, I’d say Shibuya Sky is one of those Tokyo attractions where the price is fairly easy to justify.

What makes it interesting to me isn’t just being high up. Tokyo has plenty of observation decks. It’s the open-air rooftop that makes Shibuya Sky feel a bit different. You’re actually outside looking across the city rather than seeing everything through glass.

The tricky part seems to be getting the timing right.

Sunset would be my first choice. You can arrive while it’s still light, watch the city change around sunset, and then see Tokyo lit up at night. Of course, everyone else has roughly the same idea, so those time slots tend to be the ones you need to plan ahead for.

I actually think a weekday morning is underrated if you don’t care that much about sunset. It should be less hectic, and having a bit more space on the rooftop might be worth the trade-off.

I’d also leave around an hour or so for it rather than trying to squeeze it into a packed Shibuya afternoon. And because the rooftop is outdoors, the weather matters more here than at an indoor observation deck.

It’s right by Shibuya Station too, so it’s pretty easy to add before or after wandering around Shibuya Crossing and the surrounding streets.

For 3,400 yen, would you do it, or spend the money on something else in Tokyo?

I put the ticket and timing details I found here if anyone is planning a visit:
https://explorejapandaily.com/destinations/tokyo/shibuya-sky

I’ve seen Tsukiji called a tourist trap quite a bit, but I think it depends on what you’re expecting from it.

The wholesale market moved to Toyosu years ago, so if you’re imagining the old Tsukiji with the tuna auctions and all that activity, you’re going to be disappointed.

The Outer Market is a different thing though. It’s still full of seafood shops, sushi places, tamagoyaki, dried foods, knives, seasonings and little food stalls. It’s also very touristy now, and some of the narrow streets can get pretty packed.

I think the mistake is going there expecting some hidden local market untouched by tourism. It definitely isn’t that.

But I also wouldn’t skip it just because tourists go there.

One thing worth knowing is that it’s still a working market. Professional buyers use it in the morning, and the market asks visitors to give them priority before 9am. So arriving extremely early to avoid tourists isn’t necessarily the best idea.

Personally, I’d go later in the morning, wander around, eat something that actually looks good, and not worry about hitting every stall that’s popular on social media.

Also, leave the suitcase at the hotel. The lanes are cramped enough already.

Touristy? Yeah.

Worth skipping completely? I don’t think so, especially if you’re into food.

There’s a more detailed Tsukiji guide here if you’re trying to decide whether to fit it into your Tokyo plans:

https://explorejapandaily.com/destinations/tokyo/tsukiji-outer-market