Japan has always been on my bucket list, and I finally made it happen with an action-packed five-day adventure through three of its most iconic cities. From the neon lights of Tokyo to the traditional temples of Kyoto, here’s how I maximized every moment of my Japanese journey.
Table of Contents
Navigating Japan: Transportation Tips & Tricks
Before diving into my daily adventures, let me share some crucial transportation insights that made my journey smoother. The Suica card is the key to efficiently moving around Japanese cities – a prepaid transport and payment card essential for any visitor.
The Magic of Suica
Think of Suica as your Japanese travel superpower. The best part? You can add it directly to your Apple Wallet before landing in Japan. This was perfect because I didn’t have to fumble with physical cards or worry about losing them. You can add money to your card directly from your Apple wallet. I used my Suica for:
- All train and subway rides
- Convenience store purchases
- Vending machine drinks
- Many restaurant payments
Avoiding Uber’s High Costs
Here’s a money-saving tip: skip Uber in Japan unless necessary. During my trip, I checked Uber prices out of curiosity – a 20-minute ride in Tokyo was priced at ¥5000-7000 (approximately $35-50)! Instead, rely on:
- The incredibly efficient train system
- Subway networks
- Local buses Walking (Japanese cities are very pedestrian-friendly)
- Download the Go app for taxis
Navigating the Trains: Google Maps
Google Maps was invaluable for navigating Japan’s complex transit system. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Download offline maps before your trip
- Use the train option when getting directions
- Pay attention to the platform numbers and line colors
- Follow the exit numbers provided (they’re crucial for finding your destination)
The app shows detailed information, including:
- Suggest routes based on your destination
- Platform numbers
- Train times
- Transfer points
- Station exit numbers
- Walking directions from stations
Pre-Trip Preparation: Fast-Track Your Arrival
Before diving into my journey, here’s a crucial tip that saved me time at immigration: the Visit Japan Web app. A few days before your flight, visit the Visit Japan Web platform (https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp) and complete your immigration and customs forms electronically.
Once completed, you’ll receive QR codes for immigration and customs. Save these to your phone—they’re your fast-track tickets through arrival procedures.
Day 1: Touching Down in Tokyo
After a long flight, we touched down at 4:30 p.m. at Narita International Airport, about 50 miles outside Tokyo. While Narita is further from the city than Haneda Airport, the transit system makes the journey surprisingly manageable. I opted for the Narita Express (N’EX) to Tokyo Station. The trip takes about 53 minutes and costs ¥3,000 (about $20). The N’EX features comfortable seats, plenty of luggage space, and clear English announcements.
At Tokyo Station, I followed the signs for the Yaesu South Exit, where I found the taxi stand. While you could take the subway to Ginza after a long-haul flight and with luggage in tow, the ¥1,200 (about $8) taxi fare to the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza Premier seemed more than reasonable. A tip for fellow travelers: have your hotel’s address written in Japanese or pulled up on your phone – while the drivers may not speak much English, they know all the major hotels by name.
I spent my first evening exploring the area around my hotel, marveling at the stunning architectural lighting of the luxury boutiques and department stores. For dinner, we ventured to a small ramen shop tucked away in one of Ginza’s many alleyways, where the combination of rich broth and hand-pulled noodles was the perfect welcome to Japan.
Day 2: Tokyo Adventures
My first full day in Tokyo started with what would become one of the trip’s highlights – Street Kart racing like Mario through the city streets at 10 a.m.! Yes, you read that right – picture zooming past iconic Tokyo landmarks while dressed as your favorite video game or fantasy character. It’s as surreal and fantastic as it sounds.
In the afternoon, I had a unique experience at the MPig Cafe, one of Tokyo’s famous animal cafes. I wrapped up this magical day with a professional photoshoot, capturing memories against Tokyo’s stunning urban backdrop.
We spent the day exploring the popular neighborhoods of Shibuya and Shinjuku and shopping! Don Quixote’s floors are filled with Japanese cosmetics, goods, treats, supplements, and more. Bring your passport to get the tax-free benefits! Finally, if you are looking for a free activity, stop by Meiji Jingu Shrine and walk through the park.
Day 3: Osaka
We took an early morning flight from Haneda Airport to Osaka, where the day’s agenda included gaming and gastronomy. The highlight was visiting Nintendo World at Universal Japan, living an adult’s childhood dreams. I love how inexpensive Universal in Japan was, with the tickets purchased on Klook for about $50 entry and $55 for the Nintendo World add-on. The tickets were timed entry, so we had to wait for the time we selected to go to Nintendo World. Donkey Kong Country is now open, another add-on in Super Nintendo World.
The evening culminated in a food tour in the Nishinari Ward, where I discovered why Osaka is nicknamed “Japan’s Kitchen.” We tasted delicious dishes from hidden gem restaurants frequented by locals. I booked the food tour on Viator and loved my guide and meeting new people worldwide. I left full and satisfied.
We closed the night by walking the popular Dotonbori Street, which comes alive at night with tons of shopping and food. Although the street was super crowded, I felt safe. Then we headed home to our hotel, APA Hotel Namba Shinsaibashi Nishi.
Day 4: The Kyoto Experience
Taking advantage of Japan’s efficient rail system, we hopped on the train from Namba station in Osaka on the Midosuji line and then the Keihan Main line to Kyoto for a day of cultural immersion. We got off at the Gion-Shijo Station and stored our luggage in a locker within the station. Then, we started at breakfast, tasting Japan’s fluffy pancakes at Sakura Cafe. They were one of the spots open early at 8:30 a.m., and their menu was extensive.
Because we only had one full day here, I opted to learn about the city and booked a free walking tour. We explored the Geisha district and learned about Kyoto’s history. We also visited hot spots in the area, like shrines and popular districts. I love free walking tours because they offer a local perspective and good advice on exploring the city.
After the tour, I explored the preserved historic district of Higashiyama. Traditional shops line narrow streets, offering everything from matcha treats to handcrafted souvenirs. The architecture and atmosphere here transported me back to ancient Japan.
We took a taxi to Kyoto Station, took the airport limousine bus to Osaka Airport, and returned to Tokyo.
Final Day: Back to Tokyo
I started at a Christmas Market, where the scent of mulled wine and German sausages mixed with Japanese winter treats. We had to pay to get in the market, and it would have been cheaper if we had paid online first and got a QR code. The market’s wooden stalls, twinkling lights, and towering Christmas trees created a magical atmosphere that felt uniquely Japanese in its attention to detail and presentation.
Fall Foilage Views
Since we visited Japan at the end of November, it’s a great time to see the fall foliage. We walked through Meiji Jingu Gaien, one of Tokyo’s most famous autumn views. Crowds gathered to view the iconic ginkgo tree avenue, with perfectly aligned trees creating a yellow canopy overhead. The entire avenue looked like a golden corridor, and the uniform trees made for a great picture backdrop.
Vintage Shopping in Shibuya
I headed to Shibuya to do some vintage shopping. Unlike Harajuku’s fast fashion, Shibuya’s vintage stores offer carefully curated pieces and vintage designers at low prices. I visited QOO and NUIR vintage, which was well-reviewed for their designer collections.
Finally Sushi
So, I couldn’t come to Japan without trying sushi, although I wanted to try it at one of the more well-known spots in the city. We wanted to take advantage of our time. So we opted for Uobei Genki Sushi in Shibuya, a well-reviewed revolving sushi with high-quality dishes. Most plates are just ¥108 (about 75 cents)!
Travel Tips from My Experience
- Make reservations for specialized activities like the Mario Kart tour and animal cafes.
- Use luggage delivery services like Yamato to ship your bags between cities.
- Wear comfortable shoes, you will be walking a lot, and you want to avoid sore feet.
- Early morning flights between cities help maximize your sightseeing time.
- Make time for downtime and relaxation. Constantly being on the go can run you down.
- Have a good idea of where you want to eat because popular places can get crowded quickly. I suggest Ichiran. The ramen was amazing!
- Take advantage of cheaper services for medical needs like prescription glasses and massages.
While five days might seem short for three cities, careful planning and Japan’s efficient transportation system made it not just possible but thoroughly enjoyable. Each city offered its own unique flavor: Tokyo’s modernity, Osaka’s food culture, and Kyoto’s traditional charm combined to create an unforgettable Japanese experience.
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