Our first Japan trip · about a month
Japan
for first-timers
Tokyo neighbourhoods, Kyoto temples, Osaka outings and a weekend in Takayama.
Our route: Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Takayama → Tokyo. We spent around two weeks in Tokyo overall, 10 days in Kyoto, 5–6 days in Osaka and a weekend in Takayama.
These are the outings and ideas from my planning notes, with our booked experiences marked separately. Pick what appeals to you; not every idea was necessarily part of our trip.
Your ticks stay on this device.
Check current opening times and reservations before setting out; the original planning times and prices are not a current schedule.
Around two weeks across two stays
Tokyo
We began with over a week in Tokyo and returned for another four days at the end. Here is my seven-day Tokyo plan, in its original order. We had extra time for slower days and revisiting favourites.
A detour from Tokyo
Mount Fuji
Seeing Mount Fuji was beautiful, but honestly the area felt super touristy. I’d spend as little time around the busiest spots as possible, or stay in Fujikawaguchiko and give yourself time to explore beyond the crowds.
10 days
Kyoto
Seven planned days of temple walks and countryside outings, within our 10-day stay.
5–6 days
Osaka
My four-day plan, within our 5–6-day stay.
A weekend
Takayama
After Osaka, we spent a weekend in Takayama before returning to Tokyo for another four days.
From our bookings
Experiences we booked
From my planning notes
Food & little detours
A shortlist to dip into, rather than a claim that we tried every place. Maps links search the named place and city.
Mount Takao · a favourite day trip from Tokyo
We visited Mount Takao and loved it. Highly recommended!
More ideas from the plan
Kamakura and Nikko were additional day-trip ideas. Mochi making, sushi making, sumo, a geisha performance, calligraphy and a tea ceremony also appeared in the original wishlist.
My notes also mention Tabelog for restaurant research and collecting goshuin at temples and shrines.
