Japan is a country that good things have been spoken about in terms of travelling there however we actually had no interest in going. What a mistake that was!!!
Our taste for adventure usually comprises of less crowded countries off the beaten track although we were so surprised by the culture and diversity in Japan. By the end of our trip we left thinking why hadn’t we visited sooner! Japan really did have it all.
It’s the country where everything works so smoothly. The country of convenience, delicious food, neon lights, futuristic vibes and where respect is practiced through society and culture. Everything about Japan we absolutely loved.
Japan has also been by far our favourite country to shoot video content and really push our creative and artistic side. With only a short amount of time we wanted to visit the top cities in under 2 weeks.
In this blog we share our ultimate japan guide with recommendations on the 4 best cities to visit when in Japan, the easiest way to travel around, best things to do in Japan and plenty of tips to make your trip to Japan stress free and enjoyable.
Getting around Japan – Why you need a Japan Rail Pass.
Getting around Japan is easy and convenient. Train travel is the best way to see the country. There are several train stations connecting you through out all of Japan and with fast trains like Shinkansen, getting from one side to another is only a few hours by train.
If you plan on visiting various places cheaply we recommend purchasing a Japan Rail (JR) pass. The pass is indispensable for travel in Japan. You can choose between a 7 day JR pass, 14day or 21 day.
The JR Pass covers you for certain Shinkansen ( bullet train) and all Japan Rail Trains. We purchased a 7 day JR pass and activated it once we left Tokyo. This saved us money and furthermore if we were to pay for every bullet train we took from Tokyo to Mount Fuji the price would have been over double.
A 7 day JR Pass ( Ordinary ) cost about 29,110 YEN which was approximately $450 AUS each. Purchase a JR Pass here.
Bellow is a table of JR Rail Pass prices. Note that the “Green” pass below is the equivalent of the first-class pass.
| Type: | Green | Ordinary |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Adult | Adult |
| 7-day | 38,880 YEN | 29,110 YEN |
| 14-day | 62,950 YEN | 46,390 YEN |
| 21-day | 81,870 YEN | 59,350 YEN |
Cost and Currency in Japan
The Japanese currency is the yen (円, en) $1 AUD = 76.42 JPY
Japan can be as expensive and cheap as you make it. It is not the expensive country as many people think it is. In fact, we actually found Japan to be very affordable and on par with Australia, New Zealand and countries in Western Europe.
- Cash – Cash is important to carry and usually the only way to pay for small entrance fees at tourist sights, smaller restaurants, small shops and buses. Cash is still the favourite kind of payment in japan especially when it involves small amounts. Big notes are happily accepted in japan
- If your planning on taking local buses they generally don’t except notes over 1000 yen and may not have large bills or have the correct change. Vending machines also accept 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen coins and 1,000 yen notes.
- Credit/Debit Cards– There is an increased acceptance of credit and debit cards, especially in big cities like Tokyo. Most hotels accept payment by credit cards as do most department stores, mid to high end restaurants, outlet malls and large retail shops. Many train stations, convenience stores and supermarkets generally accept card.
Japan has many great cities, here are a few to get you started.
- Tokyo – The best of modern Japan. This huge city has incredible food, diverse neighbourhoods, and some out there experiences. Check out our blog cool things to do in Tokyo here. (Coming soon)
- Kyoto – The best of traditional Japan with many stunning temples, beautiful gardens to explore and geisha’s .
- Osaka – Osaka is famous for its and food and their local cuisine ‘Takoyaki’ . Its also Japan’s second largest metropolitan area. Osaka has so much to offer to visitors.
- Takayama – A smaller, quieter alternative for traditional Japan with a beautiful historic centre of preserved wooden houses.
- Hakone – For the chance to see Mount Fuji, mountain scenery, lakes, onsens, and fun transport options like cable cars.
- Nikko – Stunning temples in the forest. If your limited for time you can do a day trip here from Tokyo.
- Hiroshima – Visit the moving peace memorial that commemorates the atomic bombing.
- Fujiyoshida City– A beautiful town with views of Mount Fuji and the stunning Chureito Pagoda .
Japans 4 best cities to visit in under 2 weeks.
Days 1 – 4: Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo was an experience like no other. This was our first time to Tokyo together and we can seriously say this city ranks extremely high on our favourites list.
Tokyo city was our first stop on our Japan trip and is a great city to start your holiday as many flights fly into Tokyo. We spent our first 3 nights here and another 2 nights at the end of out trip. In Tokyo there is always something new to see and something to just wow you.
Tokyo has unlimited choices of shopping, entertainment, culture and amazing food. With so many unusual structures, streets, stations and scenery to see, you could spend a month in Tokyo and still have plenty left to visit. The transport system is very convenient and easy to take so we would be out all day exploring all around Tokyo.
Want to know more about where to stay and what to do in Tokyo? Check out our free Tokyo guide HERE.
Where to stay?
Shinjuku
Tokyo has many great neighbourhoods all with their own special characteristics. When choosing where we wanted to stay we considered what area was best for nightlife, eating out and had to have great access to transport and train stations. Shinjuku has all that and many more!!
Shinjuku (新宿) is one of the 23 city wards of Tokyo. One of Tokyos most iconic areas of the city and is filled with bars, malls, restaurants, karaoke bars, and a hell of a lot of neon.
Shinjuku Station is the world’s busiest train station, handling more than two million passengers every day. It is served by about a dozen railway and subway lines, including the major JR lines.
We stayed at Premier Hotel Shinjuku. Premier Hotel Cabin Shinjuku is located in lively Kabukicho, only a short 10 minute walk from shinjuku station. The area Shinjuku Ward is a great choice for travellers interested in shopping, bars and local food .
Not only is Shinjuku known for being one of the major economic hubs of Japans capital and for having the busiest train station in the world, Shinjuku also has non stop shopping, eating, and partying. Shinjuku has several huge department stores, music stores, electronics stores, and hundreds and hundreds of bars and restaurants. Which will cater to every taste imaginable. Every time we walked around there was something new to see.
For a small double room with a bathroom it was about $100 – $150 AUD. Approximately 7,400 JPY. To book your room at Premier Hotel click HERE.
Best things to do in Tokyo!
- Try take a selfie at Shibuya Crossing
- Check out all the neon lights in Shinjuku
- Be wowed at Robot Cafe. Book tickets here.
- Check out the fashion in Harajuku district
- Gaze at Sky Tower
- Let your imagination wander at DIGITAL ART MUSEUM — teamLab Borderless. Book tickets here.
- Have a drink down piss alley (Izakaya Alley)
- Visit Senso Ji Temple
- Shop around the Asakusa district
- Drive like Mario through the city in a cart
- Eat ramen in Shinjuku
- Visit Monster Cafe
- Go play an arcade game
Read more: Our Ultimate Tokyo city guide.
Days 4 – 7: Kyoto, Japan
After a few days in the city it was time to see more a traditional authentic city.
Kyoto is the historic heart of japan and is the best place to experience traditional temples, geishas, colourful shinto shrines, palaces and zen gardens. Many of which are listed collectively by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The fact is, Kyoto is the most rewarding city in Japan and a place all travelers should visit at least once in their lives.
When visiting Kyoto we would recommend spending 3 or more days here to truely experience Japanese culture and to see all the must see attractions. Over the course of three days we spent our days exploring Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, Japanese gardens.
While your in Kyoto be sure to spend a night in a ryokan- Japan’s exquisite traditional accommodation, go out for a meal in a Japanese restaurant, whether gourmet or hole in the wall. Finish with an evening stroll through the Gion entertainment district for some great old Kyoto shopping.
Getting to Kyoto
- Getting to Kyoto from Tokyo is easy especially with having the 7 day rail pass. You can take the Shinkansen called the Nozomi which takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes from Tokyo city to Kyoto city station and is the fastest bullet train.
Where to stay in Kyoto?
The Higashiyama District
Kyoto is known for its traditionalal style accommodation. If you would like to stay in a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese Inn, where you sleep on futon mats and eat a traditional Japanese dinner then Kyoto has more Ryokans than any other city.
Kyoto is made up of districts and each district has its own characteristics and depending what you want to do can offer a dirrefent vibes.
We had researched the best areas to stay and chose to stay in the Higashima Ward. The Higashiyama District (東山) along the lower slopes of Kyoto’s eastern mountains is one of the city’s best preserved historic districts. It is a great place to experience traditional old Kyoto.
We spent 3 nights here in Kyoto and booked our stay at Hostel HARUYA which was walking distance to the train station, the geisha district known as Gion, temples shrines and the famous Nishiki Market. The rooms are traditional japanese style, where you sleep on tatami mats.
A night here could cost you between $80- $100 AUD.
Things to do in Kyoto
- Check out the Geisha Girls in Gion
- Visit the Golden temple
- Walk through the famous 1000 red gates- Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Visit the Nishiki Markets
- Be wowed at the Aroshima Bamboo forrest
- Visit Kiyomizu-dera temple, listed as UNESCO world heritage site
- Kōdaiji Temple temple
- Walk through Maruyama Park
- Walk through the beautiful gardens surrounding Daigoji Temple
- Check out Gion and visit its most famous shine, Yasaka Shrine
- Ginkakuji, or “Temple of the Silver Pavilion
- Museum of Kyoto
Day 7 – 9: Osaka, Japan
We are so glad we added Osaka to our last of cities to visit and we could have definitely stayed longer than 2 nights if we had more time.
Osaka is the second most visited city after Tokyo and Japan’s third-largest city. What makes Osaka such a popular city? There are many reasons. From its food and attractions to accommodation and shopping, Osaka has much to offer to visitors.
Osaka’s obsession with food is often summed up with the expression “kuidaore” which is often interpreted to mean “eat till you drop” and thats exactynwhat you all do in osaka! Dotonbori is said to be the best place in Osaka to experience this kuidaore style extreme love of food! We can tell you that your belly will never be empty.
A city just like Tokyo, bustling with atmosphere, neon lights, billboards and plenty of amazing smelling food places. Walking around the food hub of Osaka your nose will be filled with all amazing aromas.
The lively entertainment area of Dotonbori is Osaka’s most famous tourist destination and renowned for its gaudy neon lights, extravagant signage, and the enormous variety of restaurants and bars. Ww spent both nights walking around the entrainment area of Donburi and also around Shinsekai area.
Shinsekai was designed as an entertainment district in the early 20th century and has now evolved into Osakas most colourful areas. Packed with cheap shops and eateries and best known for its iconic Tsutenkaku Tower its something you should experience at night.
Getting to Osaka
Getting from Kyoto to Osaka is easy. there are 2 options for travel. You can either take the bullet train or get the standard JR Train. It takes about 15 minutes from Osaka to Kyoto on the Shinkansen and about 30-50 minutes on the train.
We never had any problems getting transport and asking the transport staff the best trains to get and where to go. They staff speak great english and are extremely helpful.
Where to stay in Osaka
Namba
All of Osakas best things to do are easily accessible on foot and we highly recommend staying around Namba. This area is close to the city centre, train stations ,shopping and the Dotonbori district.
We spent 2 nights at ROZY HOTEL. Rozy hotel is a short walk from Namba station. The hotel is also near to one of the most vibrant area of Osaka (Dotonbori) where you can find hundreds of restaurants and have fun night out and about. Rooms can be both Japanese or western style. There is no breakfast area but you can choose a lot of places to eat in the surroundings.
A standard double room can cost between $100- $110 AUD. Check out Rozy HoteL HERE.
Things to do in Osaka
- Check out the entertainment in Donburi street
- Go on Tonbori River Canal Cruise
- Walk around Osaka Castle
- Eat at Osakas Michelin starred restaurants
- Experience Takoyaki, Osaka’s soul food!
- Visit downtown Shinsekai area
- Check out the Tsutenkaku Tower at night
- Go shopping in the best shopping district- Shinsaibashi
- Go bar Hopping down Hozenji-yokocho Alley
Day 9-10: Fujiyoshida, Japan
Our last stop on our trip through japan is a cute town known for its stunning sites of the iconic Mount Fuji. The reason we wanted to visit this town was for a particular photo we wanted to get of a pagoda and Mount Fuji in the back ground.
Unfortunately we could only spend one night here. We will definitely be coming back in Winter and in cherry blossom season. We would love to hike Mount Fuji next time, theres so much beauty we would love to see in this area.
Fujiyoshida is the city located on the northern slope of Mount Fuji and acts as the entry for individuals on their way to Mount Fuji . The small city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and packed full of tourist attractions.
Even though we didn’t have a chance to hike Mount Fuji its size and beauty was appreciated even from afar. Mount Fuji is one of the most famous mountains in Japan which holds cultural as well as national importance. The notable rising of Mount Fuji by means of the Yoshida Trail has attracted climbers for well over a thousand years. Mount Fuji stays a standout amongst the most famous peak in the world and is hiked by a huge number of climbers of all levels from around the world. Mount Fuji has pulled in more climbers since it has been listed as UNESCO World heritage site in June 2013. There are a number of tour operators located in Fujiyoshida who organise the hiking tours. Seeing Mount Fuji is one of the best things to do in Japan in our opinion.
Getting to Fujiyoshida
There is no place hard to get to when it comes to public transport in Japan. Having the 7 day pass makes is hassle free and we saved a heap. We were still travelling within our 7 day dates and we were able to use the pass on the bullet train heading and the 2 JR trains heading towards Mount Fuji. This trip does require you to take 3 or more trains. The local Mount Fuji train isn’t covered by the JR Rail Pass so you will have to buy a ticket at the local station. All up the trip can take between 4-5 hours but the view from the trains are amazing.
- From Shin-Osaka station take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Yokohama station. This bullet train takes about 2 hours.
- From there change platforms and take the JH Yokohama Line to Hachiojo Station (approximatly 1 hour).
- Once you get to Hachiojo Station change platforms and take the JC Chuo line to Otsuki station.
- Once at Otsuki station you will have to purchase a ticket for the Fujikkyuko train, which takes about 45 minutes. This is the last train you will have to get and the ticket costs about 960 Yen, approximate $12 AUD.
- If your staying in the town Shimoyoshida like we did get off at Gekkouji. Its a 5 minute walk to the hostel.
Where to stay in Fujiyoshida
We found a cute hostel called Hostel Mt Fuji. It was a just a short walk from the towns train station and a short walk to the pagoda we wanted to visit for sunrise. The rooms have tatami mat flooring and the rooms are japanese style. Our room had a bunk bed for bedding. The host was absolutely amazing and willing to help us out with anything we needed. There is a complimentary breakfast in the morning is coffee, tea and toast, was much appreciated
Our private bunk room was $130 AUD for the night. To book your stay at Hostel MT Fuji click HERE.
Things to do in Fujiyoshida
- Hike Mount Fuji
- Hike the historic Yoshida Trail
- Enjoy Rides at Fuji-Q Highland
- Visit Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine
- Take the iconic photo at Chureito Pagoda at sunrise
- Taste the famous Yoshida Udon (Noodles)
- Visit Fuji Five Lakes
- Explore Lake Kawaguchiko Area
Fujiyoshida is truly an amazing destination in Japan and was the best place to finish up on our holiday in Japan.
Day 10: Return back to Tokyo
In the afternoon we made our way back to Tokyo where we spent another night before departing back to Australia.
If we had more time we would have loved to stay longer and explored more of what Japan had to offer. If you would like to know anything about our trip to Japan please dont hesitate to ask us.
Thank You for reading our guide on the Best things to do in Japan. We hope that our blog has inspired you to want to visit Japan.
Visiting Tokyo? Check out our blog on Best things to do in Tokyo here.
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