japan in 10 days lonely planet

From mystic mountains to mighty megacities, Japan is awash with iconic travel experiences. Instead, use any of the other transportation options listed in the resources below: TheSumo Grand Tournamentin Tokyo takes place 3x a year and 1x in Osaka, and each tournament event lasts for 15 days. With your Hakone Freepass, you can start sightseeing using the recommended sightseeing course in your pamphlet that comes with your Hakone Freepass. By Ryan O'Rourke / Last updated: October 2, 2022 Got just 10 days in Japan? After your Asakusa tour, you can head back to your hotel and rest or continue exploring. All of these hotels also offer breakfast options. Day 3: Head back towards Tokyo but make sure you stop at Kamakura on route home to several beautiful shrines, temples and gardens including Hase-dera Temple which is particularly famous for its stunning views over Sagami Bay. Aso Cape Sata; 322km(200 miles). On your way to Ginza, we suggest taking the small detour to pass by Tokyos primer kabuki theater, Kabuki-za. If youd like to have one, do this in the morning and make your visit to Asakusa in the afternoon. The cherry blossoms arrive and depart over a two-week period, dictated by weather patterns and local geography, and the exact timing can be hard to predict in advance. These hotels are all strategically located in central Tokyo and are all within a short walking distance to major train stations. Already a prized site among the French for its dramatic white cliffs and rock formations, the seaside town of tretat in the north of France became an international hotspot after being featured in the hit Netflix series Lupin, starring Omar Sy.. During the summer high season, the village of 1200 residents can see upward of 10,000 visitors descend on the area per day. Click to see bar-hopping tours in Tokyoorwalking food tours here. December 21 marks the longest night in the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice. This led to both ending up in the Guinness World Records book. It has a peaceful hiking trail offering some fantastic views of the city. End your evening by attending Bunraku theatre performance showcasing traditional Japanese puppet shows that will delight all ages alike. That being said, if you're going to follow this 10 day Japan itinerary, I highly recommend mid-October through mid-November. Aso. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. And the only country that gives you the ability to go from historic castles, shrines, and temples to robot greeters at several hotels. Remarkably, a major train companyissued a public apologyfor leaving 20 seconds early! 15 reviews Lonely Planet's Japan is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. From bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka, stunning mountain ranges such as Mt Fuji and ancient temples like Kiyomizu-deratheres something for everyone. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Does that mean it will be as easy to visit now as it was pre-pandemic? The recommended coast-to-coast drive traverses over 400 miles of open road from the Unesco-recognized Shiretoko Peninsula in the east to the old colonial port town of Hakodate in the west. 10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas | kimkim All of which are part of the Shibuya ward (city-level municipality of Tokyo). Tokyos spring sumo tournament also takes place in May.Key events: Sanja Matsuri (Tokyo), Roppongi Art Night (Tokyo), Early June is lovely, but by the end of the month, tsuyu (the rainy season) sets in. If sightseeing is your goal, then we recommend staying in the Gora area. Want some help? Japan has some of the most sophisticated, creative and celebrated restaurants on the planet. Asakusa has Tokyos ancient and oldest Buddhist temple, Senso-ji, dating back to 628 AD. The iconic Tokyo Tower stands tall over the skyline and offers 360 degree views of the surrounding area. So if you think you can get there before 8 a.m., do it. You can take the train to your hotel to relax or continue exploring on your own. The question of how long is long enough often arises, especially when time is limited. We also suggest that you get lunch or a meal in the Shinkansen (yes, they serve food! 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. 10 best road trips in Japan - Lonely Planet You can choose a ticket for 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days. All rights reserved. Travelers who want to see Japan's stunning cherry blossoms should visit in spring ake1150sb / Getty Images. If you dont plan ahead though, theres a good chance that those ten days will fly by without having experienced everything that makes this country special but planning well can help make sure your trip isnt rushed or overwhelming either! Before you arrive at the observatory pinned to the Pacific coast, consider a night at one of the many onsen towns en route, or an overnight stay in the laidback subtropical city of Kagoshimato enjoy some black pork, sweet-potato shch (distilled liquor) and views of volcano Sakurajima seemingly floating on the bay. With limited access to public transport and abounding in lush coastal scenery, a road trip is perfect for exploring Tsushima, the titular island setting the scene for the critically acclaimed 2020 PlayStation game Ghost of Tsushima. Days 1-4: Discover Tokyo Days 5-6: Day trips from Tokyo Day 7: Spend a night at a ryokan Days 8-11: Discover Kyoto Days 12-14: Day trips from Kyoto Key takeaway for the best 2 week Japan itinerary for autumn Introductory note I need to explain the basics regarding this 14 day Japan itinerary for autumn. Japans public transport system is among the best in the world, its jewel the high-tech, high-speed bullet-train network, which is continuously expanding. The cherry-blossom season from April to May is the peak travel period in Japan. As an island nation with nearly three-quarters of its terrain smothered in mountains, Japan seems custom-built for scenic road trips. Tsukiji and Ginza are Tokyo itinerary mainstays. Many tourists enjoy having atour guide here as its slightly off-the-beaten-path. Climb Mt Fuji, walk the Tohoku coast, and enjoy the views in Kamikochi. Writer Sheila Yasmin Marikar talks about how she travels, her favorite places and the trip shell never forget. Mountain escapes are perfect for adventurous travelers looking to escape the cities as the summer heat brews. Despite its small size, South Korea offers a range of places to see, from Seouls infamous drinking districts to Andongs traditional folk village. To activate it, look for the JR East Travel Service Center in Tokyo Station or Ueno Station and exchange your JR Pass eVoucher for the actual JR Pass. And yes, its surprisingly good!). The system sets out distinct rules depending on what country youre entering Japan from. Day 2 Explore Asakusa area with Sensoji temple & Nakamise street then go up Tokyo Sky Tree tower for great views of city at night. Traveling to Japan can be overwhelming for any first-time visitor. The 220-mile scenic drive from Iino-Ura (Shimane) to Ine (Kytango) snakes between dense forests and a sparsely populated, green-swept coastline. 2 reviews Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet Best of Japan is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Day 2: Asakusa & Akihabara Learn About Traditional Culture When it comes to Tokyo, 10 days might seem like an eternity but is it too long? Whether its your first time visiting or if youre returning for another adventure-filled holiday, here are some must-see places during your stay that will make your journey through this incredible destination unforgettable! Are flights really cheaper on Friday 13th? It should help you get through airport security checks more quickly by being a one-stop shop for all of your essential documents. Explore whichever city youve chosen and then return to Kyoto. Day 4 Make your way up north towards Nagano prefecture where there are many traditional villages such as Togura Kamiyamada Onsen town and Zenkoji temple which was founded in 7th century AD. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. From Argentina to Vietnam, our worldwide network of local experts can plan your trip from arrival to departure, so you can spend less time poring over train timetables and more having the best experiences possible. Fukuoka Hiroshima Beppu Naha Matsumoto Kanazawa Kumamoto 02 / Planning Toolkit Expert guidance to help you plan your trip Best Things to Do Whether you are visiting Japan for the first or fiftieth time, these top experiences showcase the best it has to offer, both modern and traditional. Alternatively, stroll idly along Yokohamas fetching harbor before draining a few steins at the citys annual Oktoberfest.Key events: Matsue Suitro (Matsue), Asama Onsen Taimatsu Matsuri (Asama hot springs area), Oktoberfest (Yokohama), Kurama-no-hi Matsuri (Kurama, Kyoto), performing arts festivals (nationwide), Halloween (major cities), November is marked by crisp and cool days with snow starting to fall in the mountains. Its still filled with unique retail shops, sushi restaurants, chefs gathering, and restaurant supplies. Spend the rest of day exploring the vibrant nightlife scene here before heading out again tomorrow morning. A day trip from Kyoto to Nara allows you to add a third city. From there, the Gion-Shijo train station is just a 4-min walk. Many people only stay in Tokyo, and thats robbing yourself of some incredible experiences! Meet your tour guide for the Tsukiji Fish Market. 10 Days in Japan: Itinerary, What to Do & Where to Go - Treksplorer If youre eager to visit Mayan ruins, charming villages and white-sand beaches, heres all you need to know about securing a visa for Honduras. If youre visiting for views of Mt. Giving you more freedom with other destinations in Japan you have yet to discover. Lonely Planet's Best Day Hikes Japan is your passport to 60 easy escapes into nature. We are planning to stay and travel for an extra week. Explore Tokyo Start by exploring Tokyo, one of the worlds largest cities with its vibrant energy and unique culture. Whatever takes your fancy, start with our beginners guide to Korean dining. Day 2: Osaka If youre looking for a stuffed itinerary that youll have to rush from one to the next to see them all, this is not it. Here is the perfect Tokyo-Kyoto 10-day itinerary. Yet at the same time, theres much excitement on the ground about the return of international tourism, with Japan gearing up to welcome visitors back with exciting new attractions and events. I typically use the Rick Steve's books for Europe, but I don't think he has one for Asia. Start by writing down what interests you most about Japan; then determine which destinations are must-visits according to your list. You may also want to visit Hiroshima or Miyajima Island while in this part of the country before taking time to relax near Lake Kawaguchiko or take part in some outdoor activities around Hakone National Park nearby Mt Fuji . This article was first published April 2021 and updated April 2023. 10 Day Itinerary to Japan in November, Tokyo, Kyoto, Alps!? Heres a suggested itinerary for your family: Best for soaking up subtropical volcanic vibesMt. The buildings exterior resembles the pages of a book being turned, while inside youll find craftworks by Ishikawas master artisans. If you get lost, keep your eyes peeled for white-clothed pilgrims replete with bamboo walking sticks trudging along the roadsides. Day 2: Make your way down south and check out one of Japans most impressive natural wonders Mt Fuji. It's still high season on the ski slopes, but if you prefer admiring the snow to slaloming down it, head to Hokkaido for the annual Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri) enormous, intricately craftedsnow and ice sculptures are showcased throughout Sapporo City. For a slightly calmer experience, head to the Okinawa islands in the far southwest, where it's peak scuba diving season.Key events: Summer fireworks festivals (nationwide), World Cosplay Summit (Sakae, Nagoya and Aichi), Sendai Tanabata Matsuri (Sendai region), Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori Prefecture), O-Bon (Festival of the Dead), Peace Memorial Ceremony (Hiroshima), Awa-odori Matsuri (Tokushima City), Rsoku Matsuri (Koyasan), Daimon-ji Gozan Okuribi (Kyoto), Earth Celebration (Sado Island). If you have tattoos or cant be bothered with being naked in public, choose a ryokan with private onsen (hot spring bath). Read our Privacy Policy. Snow bunnies insist that Japan has some of the finest powder on the planet, particularly on the slopes of Hokkaido in the far north. Since you have JR Pass, take the JR Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. The food is drastically overpriced and made more for Instagram pictures than flavor. Yes. Japan travel guide - Lonely Planet | Asia 10 Days in Japan: A First-Timer's Complete Itinerary Japan is such a diverse country filled with regional experiences and cuisine that are far better enjoyed if you travel slower and take the time to connect with locals. Japan itinerary: How to get the best out of Japan in 10 days After breakfast, head to Kiyomizudera temple, one of Japans most important and ancient temples, founded in 780 AD. Best for gorgeous northern countrysideRausu Hakodate; 700km (435 miles). To give a general idea, we can look at the standard sightseeing itineraries: two weeks for an in-depth exploration of Japans main attractions; one week for more focused visits; and four or five days for a quick taste. The city is home to a number of enlightening museums, including the impressive 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. The 10 most spectacular road trips in Japan. Japan's rainy season typically straddles these two months on Honshu, Japans main island, meaning hotel prices will be a little cheaper and outdoor excursions a little less thronged. In late September, autumn colors start to paint the mountains and the north in vivid tones, and the wave of color moves slowly south across the country. Every persons claims and requirements will vary, so its essential to focus on your main travel goal rather than merely copying someone elses itinerary. This is covered by your JR Pass and you will activate it before you take the train. Youre going to need them both! The price of a Japan Rail Pass is going to more than double in October - is it still a good deal for travelers who want to explore Japan by train? Best time to visit Japan - Lonely Planet - Lonely Planet Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a full day trip itself as there are plenty of things to see and do here aside from just the Bamboo Forest. Besides this profession, Im a hobbyist blogger. 10 Days in Japan for Solo Female Travelers. Our itinerary starts in Tokyo, where most trains are not covered by JR Pass. Great for dramatic coastal seascapesTakaoka Kanazawa; 236km(147 miles). No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. But this isnt to say itll be necessarily easy to navigate or ask for directions. Best for scenic island-hopping via suspension bridgeOnomichi Imabari; 70km(43 miles). Afterward head up north towards Sapporo stopping by cities like Osaka along the way before making your final stop in Hokkaidos capital city Sapporo. More than anything, though, youre going to need a well thought out itinerary due to the incredible amount of activities and attractions vying for your attention in Japan. The choice is yours, but just choose one! Day 1 Arrive in Tokyo On arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport take a train/limousine bus into town and check-in at your hotel. Pure magic. It has massive temple grounds and is also aUNESCO Heritage site. The shops sell various goods, including local treats, tea, wooden dolls, and other crafts. Thus, we recommend activating it on Day 4 before you head out to Hakone. Lonely Planet's Japan is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Mark the winter solstice in these 7 amazing destinations, How I travel with writer Sheila Yasmin Marikar, All you need to know about visas for Honduras, Brave the heat or wait for cooler weather? Its easy to see them all, mainly if you are guided by a map! Day 1: Start off with a visit to Tokyos iconic sights Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine. In the cities, its the season for exploring by bike, parkland strolls and sitting out in rooftop beer gardens the Omohara Forest on the 6th floor of Omotesandos Tokyu Plaza mall is a recommended spot for a tipple. Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is a charming smallonsen town (hot spring town) with lots of art museums and nature. Oh, and the entire town is filled with deer! In Tokyo alone, its easy to spend two weeks! Our first-time favorite 10-day Japan itinerary aims to inspire you and serve you as an outline. To share my thoughts, Ive created this site Visitjapan and brought some Japanese travel enthusiasts and tourists worldwide to share their experiences. What to See in Japan in 10 Days? - Visit Japan All things food! Start your morning by visiting Sensoji Temple in Asakusa which is one of Tokyos oldest Buddhist Temples dating back centuries ago during Edo Period Japan. Or if youd prefer more cultural experience head eastward towards Nikko where youll find Toshogu shrine an UNESCO World Heritage Site full of intricate details that will leave you breathless! Instead, weve created a Harajuku-Shibuya walking tour map here for you to follow. People often wear them year-round to protect their lungs from air pollution and to protect themselves and others from viruses, infections and allergens. 10-Day Itinerary for Japan (with expense report) - EMBRACE SOMEPLACE Put merely, visit Japan as many times as possible. Best Things to Do 01 / Top Sights Unmissable sights for your itinerary Discover more Sights Tokyo National Museum in Ueno & Yanesen Ghibli Museum in Tokyo Golden Gai in Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo teamLab Borderless in Odaiba & Tokyo Bay Shibuya Crossing in Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa Imperial Palace in Tokyo Sens-ji in Asakusa & Sumida River I did better by choosing my own or asking my accommodation for recommendations. How I travel with writer Sheila Yasmin Marikar, The best road trips in South Korea weave through mountains, islands and history, Visas for South Korea: heres what you need to know, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. From its ancient temples and shrines to the modern cities, there is something for everyone. When planning for your next trip, itll be easier for you to focus on a more specialized itinerary. From sushi to ramen to tempura, Japanese cuisine has gained widespread "From Sushi to Sumo: Exploring the Unique Traditions of Life in Japan". No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Only choose one! It boasts a vast array of attractions, from its iconic ancient temples to modern cities like Tokyo. Best for remote historic sites and isolated beautyCape Tsutsu Kankoku Observatory; 70km(43 miles). Days 3 5: Tokyo. Just by strolling around, youll be fascinated by its rustic ambiance and feel like youre back in Old Tokyo (Edo). Drive through the rolling grasslands of Kumamoto to find Japans largest caldera and active volcano, Mt. With so much history and culture, you'll want more than just . Bestowed with the honorary title of 'Japan's Kitchen,' Tsukiji was formerly the location of the city's most famous fish market, but the bulk of the wholesale fish-selling shifted to Toyosu Market on Tokyo Bay in 2018. There are many rows of stores around here. Do you need a visa to enter South Korea? There are still some pandemic-era rules in place, and you might find that locals are still taking many precautions against the virus compared to other nations. ( 78 ratings ) About this ebook Lonely Planet's Japan is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. All rights reserved. Check out LonelyPlanet's Tokyo guides for acomprehensive look at allthese cities have to offer, orPocket Tokyo, a handy-sizedguide focused on the can't-miss experiences for a quicktrip. The Japan Meteorological Corporation has released its latest predictions for when blooms will start to appear around Japan. Winter stumbles to a close in March. In mountainous areas, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting and camping are popular activities, though high-altitude trails may not open till July. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Tokyo is known as a city of juxtapositions, but never is this more true than when youre exploring the city's independent art scene. Cooler mountain destinations are also popular in August, and Mt Fuji hosts hundreds of thousands of hikers during the mid-July to mid-September climbing season. After the world's first Super Nintendo World opened in Osaka during the pandemic, thenext big thing isGhibli Park, atheme park based on the works of animation legend Hayao Miyazaki set to open in Aichi Prefecture on November 1. After your Tsukiji tour, itll be time to explore Ginzas neighboring district, which is just a short walk from the famous fish market. Phil Norris Jun 22, 2023 5 min read Whale-watching tours are among the many highlights of a family trip to Alaska Blue Collectors / Stocksy United A visit to Alaska can be a life changing for children, shaping their understanding of the natural world and wildlife, and discovering their own sense of adventure. You'll get to experience autumn colors in all their glory, from . If youre in Tokyo, check outOkushibu,the Japanese nickname for Deep Shibuya. This once well-kept secret within the shopping district of Shibuyahas now become a go-to zone for late-night cafe culture, as well as some really unique and creative restaurants. Closest Station: Asakusa. Details Qty: 1 Buy Now Payment Secure transaction Ships from Amazon.com Sold by Amazon.com Returns High-speed train Shinkansen: Michael von Aichberger / Shutterstock.com Tokyo And Kyoto 10 Day Itinerary Summary Minor meltdown aside, I finally drafted this complete guide to Japan (with an expense report) in hopes helping prospective visitors. Planning a family trip to Japan? Its a free tour, so tipping is encouraged. As you approach Senso-ji youll walk along the long Nakamise-dori, and youll see another massive structure, a 2-story house gate called Hozomon. So its not difficult to arrive on time. Best Station to Start: Namba. Japan is one of the most exciting and vibrant countries to visit in Asia. One of the attractions here is the Yanaka Ginza, a cute shopping street filled with locally-owned shops and coffeehouses. From the picture-perfect sunrise of Amaharashi Beach to the bracing coastline of Ishikawa Prefecture, this road trip throws down some of Japans finest coastal scenery. The 1200km (745-mile) journey between the country's largest cities can be covered in just over 15 hours by fast trains (starting at 40), while regional trains provide a slower but cheaper option, with the 24-hour trip starting at just 15. While Japan has no official mask mandate in place, youll find that many businesses still require people to wear one indoors; youll also see people with a mask while on a bus, train or taxi, or in any sort of crowded indoor environment. What to do in the evening of option 1 or 2 itineraries: Explore downtown Kyoto, an excellent place for shopping. Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is captivating in its own right: from the sprawling Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in the western suburbs.But its location at the heart of the Kansai region makes it a great base for exploring farther afield, including nearby castles and fabled hot springs. Writer Sheila Yasmin Marikar talks about how she travels, her favorite places and the trip shell never forget. Yanaka is the only old quarter town in Tokyo where the Shitamachi (downtown Tokyo) atmosphere from the Edo period still resonates. Want to visit Fushimi Inari in a kimono? Taipei may be hot most of the year, but there's plenty to do whenever you go. When selecting your ideal accommodation, the best location depends entirely on what you want to achieve. Read our Privacy Policy. Finish the journey in Kanazawa, a former samurai stronghold and custodian of Japans traditional arts and crafts. Many Japanese return to their hometowns or go on domestic vacations, so transport is hectic, and hotel prices soar. Sumo is an essential sport in Japan. $24.49 26 Used from $20.67 37 New from $20.38. Click to use our walking route map. But the food scene here is extraordinary, earning the nickname Japans Kitchen. Should you decide to visit Osaka over Nara, make sure to join a walking food tour to elevate the experience and eat where the locals eat. The country is also bringing back visa-free entry for visitors from more than 60 countries. 3. On October 11,Japan will finally open its doors to independent travel following more than two years of some of the worlds toughest border restrictions. Spoiler alert: You will love Japan! Visit Meiji Shrine with its tranquil gardens and grandiose structures then go shopping nearby in Harajuku where you can find everything from trendy street fashion stores to cute little souvenir shops. You have plenty of options here so think carefully on which activity youd like to experience the most. Here are some suggestions for what to see in Japan in just 10 days! What in the world? To get started, here are some must-see attractions that should be on your list: Let two expert writers help you decide. The area has an ancient town feel as all the shops are wooden and built very traditionally. From Kanto to Kansai, this trip takes you from Tokyo and its modern, bustling streets to Kyoto with its tight hold on tradition. Top detours include the winding road to the large volcanic crater lake at Mt Za in Miyagi Prefecture, and the road circumnavigating Aomori's pristine Lake Towada, whose serene waters you can paddle by kayak. Snow blankets the mountains of Hokkaido and the countrys northern reaches, ushering in the ski season. But this isn't to say it'll be necessarily easy to navigate or ask for directions.

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