LAST UPDATE NOVEMBER 2022
We keep this guide updated with recent recommendations. So far we have been four times to Japan and this guide is based in all of those travels, we always check that the information in the guide is still relevant and constantly add new things.
Our travels: Autumn 2012, Autumn 2016, Spring 2019, Autumn 2022.
Do you know that it is now sakura season (hanami) in Japan? In fact the first official day was Sunday 17th of March. This sounds a pretty solid excuse to start dreaming about a trip to witness all the pink goodness in real life *wink* but also a good inspiration to finally deliver our Japan guide!
No matter the season Japan is always a good plan. We have visited it four times, three of them during autumn and couldn't recommend the season enough, with Halloween decor & the breathtaking yellow & red maple leaves dancing around.
Since helping people to plan a trip to Japan is always a favorite thing to do, we decided that it was about time that we wrote all those suggestions down in one single (and very complete) guide to Japan. Here's everything you need to know if it's your first time visiting, but we have added more tips that will be helpful for Japan addicts as ourselves too that have already been there but want to discover new things. Let's keep the planning itch rolling on!
2 weeks Itinerary
This is a 2 weeks (14 nights) proposal for a circular itinerary taking into account that your flights land & leave in/from Tokyo:
First visit
- TOKYO (5 nights)
- Including: Nikko, Kamakura &/or Disneyland
- MIYAJIMA (1 night)
- KYOTO (4 nights)
- Including: Nara
- OSAKA (2 nights)
- Including: Himeji or USJ
- NAKASENDO TRAIL (1 night)
- TOKYO (1 night)
Second visit... and further!
- WAKAYAMA TOUR (at least 3 nights)
- Including: Koyasan
- SHIRAKAWAGO / AINOKURA (1 night)
- HAKONE ONSEN (1 night)
- NORTHERN KYUSHU TOUR (around 6-7 nights)
- Including: Fukuoka, Oita, Saga
- Including: Yamaguchi Prefecture
Here are some add-ons you can consider while re-visiting your favorite spots and the day trips you missed!
Tokyo
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Tokyo: Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku Tokyo: Kichijioji Tokyo: Shibuya, Asakusa, Akihabara, Ginza Disneysea Disneyland Kamakura Nikko 🎥 Tokyo: the film 🎥 Disneysea: the film 🎥 Kamakura: the film |
VISITS
In Tokyo we recommend visiting two neighborhoods in a single day to be able to get a glimpse of everything. Choose from the following below and then spend a complete day in at least 1-day of the getaways proposed.
Of course if it's not your first time or you are prepared to renounce to something, enjoy yo'self (*wink*): you won't ran out of things to visit, pictures to take, things to taste and heavenly stores where gladly spend your yens.
SHIBUYA
for the famous crossing, vibrant vibes and shops(UPDATE LATE 2022) Don't miss Shibuya Sky for anything.
Shibuya's crossing may be one of the most iconic images of Tokyo and if you love shopping &/or are on the hunt of the Purikura (the famous cute photobooth), this neighborhood will steal your heart. Don't miss the Disney store in Shibuya and the store Loft. As a plus, it is near Harajuku (another must) and has plenty food options which make it a good place to set as your home base.
HARAJUKU
for a traditional -vs- modern face-off (& the best kawaii shops)(UPDATE LATE 2022) Note that Harajuku has evolved over the years, it's now more touristy, but if visiting for the first time is still mandatory.
Harajuku is the perfect example of what Japan can offer: a modern & advanced mecca in perfect balance with a strong traditional culture. Take off at the Harajuku station, visit the Meiji shrine (you can probably find a wedding!) and then head over to Takeshita dori for a cuteness overload of shops & food stalls. Don't leave without trying the famous crepes or the colorful cotton candy. Also, don't end your visit at Takeshita, near Omotesando it's the real Harajuku!
ASAKUSA
for the most traditional part of the cityThe Sensoji Buddhist temple grounds in Asakusa are famous for the big lantern entrance, a 5-story pagoda and the 200m Nakamise street full of little food & souvenirs stalls. Try here every typical Japanese sweet & savoury snack, plus buy all the souvenirs for those in your family & friends that prefer the traditional figurine or yukata over the kawaii knick-knack (we love both!)
SHINJUKU
for the city views & the most amazing parkShinjuku could be compared to Shibuya if you change all the shops for restaurants, ha! Don't miss the free viewing spot of the Metropolitan Building (it pays off to be a morning bird) and also the Gyoen park, which is super lovely during autumn. Make sure to stop at one of the neighborhood restaurants too and have a peek at the Godzilla head.
AKIHABARA
for the manga figures, retro games & overall ambianceWhether you are the biggest manga, merch and gaming enthusiast or either you don't have a clue of what Sailor Moon is (wonders why, though, ha!) you must visit this unique place in the world. Shops here are surely very different from the ones you've seen before and even people watching is fun & interesting. Don't leave without at least buying a surprise ball from the many Gashapon machines and be cautious with your time, you can spend hours admiring the figurines in the display cases.
SETAGAYA / SHIMOKITAZAWA / KICHIJIOJI
for an alternative neighborhood with fabulous vintage storesWe always like to include a more local experience in our travels, if that's your case too consider visiting Shimokitazawa or Kichijioji. It will make you experience what a hip yet relaxed neighborhood looks like in Tokyo. If I had the yens I would definitely live here: lots of bikes and vintage stores. As a bonus, Kichijioji is near the Ghibli Museum, so if you have tickets (sold in advance!) don't miss the opportunity to expand your day.
YANAKA
for the cat enthusiast and old Tokyo loversYanaka is the most local experience we had so far in Tokyo. We came here looking for a little bit of old town charm in the middle of a crazy city like Tokyo and a street devouted to cats *wink*. Things you can't miss: an egg sandwich at Kayaba cofee, a stroll down the Yanaka Ginza street and a taiyaki from Nezu no Taiyaki. If you check the Yuyake dandan stairs, you'll feel part of an anime scene.
NAKAMEGURO / CHIDORIGAFUCHI
during the sakura seasonIf you visit Tokyo during the sakura season we can't praise these two neighborhoods enough. Make sure to visit the Chidorigafuchi park first thing in the morning because the lake and the promenade gets cray busy later on. The boats is surely the most beautiful experience we've had, it is amazing to stay under the sakura tree. Nakameguro is also lovely with the little pink lanterns too.
EAT
- Ramen
We have tried lots of Ramen in Tokyo, but although Rokurinsha and Ichiran would certainly make our top 5 list, we are including here the less-known Afuri for a twist. Afuri is a lighter browl with yuzu, that feels refreshing after too many heavy Ramen. Also, they toast the chasu (pork piece) in front of you with a big carbon fire and have a vegan option (not that common in other Ramen shops!) - Gyozas
Everybody talks about Gyoza Lou, but it's for a good reason: the cheapest yet yummy dinner you'll get in Tokyo. Don't be impressed by the line in front, the queues run quickly. We tried both the grilled and steamed gyozas, but would only order grilled next time. Gyozas are presented with a bowl of rice and a light soup. For the perfect sauce, act naïve and ask the waiters to get the mix for you, they'll make it just perfect. - Sushi
Tokyo has amazing sushi ranging from all prices, but taking it as a general rule, every nigiri piece is around half price, for the quality, you'll get for instance in Barcelona. Which means for us to be in tuna heaven *wink*. Our favorite is the Katsumidori sushi on the 8th floor of the SEIBU building in Shibuya. For the Kaiten (moving belt) experience in Harajuku try the Heiroku Sushi, and for sets and (gigantic) pieces go to Shibuya's Umegaoka Sushi no Midori. Also we like Sushizanmai that has the advantage of being open 24h/7 and lots of locations; when we came from Disneyland later at night we were able to round our day eating a delicious tuna set here. - Hattiffnat Café
Hattiffnat is a category in itself! It's a café built in what looks likes a kids' tree house, the naïf colorful decorations add to the fairytale look. Please don't leave without trying their matcha latte, it's incredible & with the cutest latte art. They also serve lunch, I loved my curry rice menu. Next door they also have a cute tiny store selling their trademark plastic cups and independent artists designs.
SHOP
- Loft
Home goods, design and a big stationery area. I can't leave this store without buying at least a dozen stickers, ha! They have several stores around Tokyo, but my favorite is in Shibuya. Also we bought here several souvenirs to take home! - Kiddyland
Although more touristy now than during our first visit, if you are looking for toys and merchandising from Sanrio characters & many others, pay it a visit. Or alternatively go to Tokyo Character Street in the subterranean shopping mall from Tokyo station. - We ♥ C (a.k.a WC)
White, Pink and Purple heaven. If you have a thing for Harajuku style clothing, make a stop, it's worthy even just to window shop. I will always regret not buying here a vintage Minnie pink sweatshirt, so I won't make the same mistake twice on our next trip.
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DISNEYSEA / DISNEYLAND
happiest place on earth, even happier than everTokyo Disney Resort has two parks, Disneyland and DisneySea. While the first one is the classic park with the castle and more focused into Fantasyland, Disneysea is a unique park in the world, inspired by ports. If you have already been in a Disney park I would recommend the latter. Disneysea, with a size almost the double of Paris Disneyland, surrounds the most beautiful (artificial) lake with a volcano (that fires up!). We can't praise it enough. The wonderful Japanese groups with their matching outfits, the unique food treats and the special merch makes it the most Japanese experience ever. Don't leave without buying their popcorn buckets!
NIKKO
Amazing temples on the top of a mountainNikko is the perfect way to experience a temple complex in the mountains, which is so very characteristic: Nothing can beat the feeling the temples among the mist. Do you know the emojis with the monkeys covering its eyes, mouth or ears? Well, those are the three wise monkeys, which are over a door of the famous Tōshō-gū shrine; dating back from the 17th century. Oh! and don't forget to take a picture next to the super famous red Shinkyo bridge.
KAMAKURA
Largest Buddha on the outsideAlthough the most iconic sight in Kamakura is the large Buddha (Daibutsu), our favorite part was the walk in the mountains that ends up in this precise spot.
Leave at the tiny station of Kita-Kamakura and then go right towards Jochiji temple. Leave the temple on your right and keep walking to find the starting point, it's easy to find! During your walk you will stumble upon the Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine, which is quite funny & unmistakable because it goes past a big tunnel in the rock & you will find lots of people cleaning money in a stream. Before leaving, visit the Hase Dera temple and make a quick stop at Kamakura's shopping street, next to the Kamakura main station.
Kyoto
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VISITS
Since Kyoto has its spotlights more clearly identified than Tokyo, and besides Gion, it's not that focused on neighborhoods but the shrines and temples, we propose a closed itinerary that will let you visit (almost) everything in your wishlist:
- Day 1
Start at Kyomizu Dera, walk through Matsubara dori (dori means street in Japanese), turn to Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka and end up in Gion taking Minamimachi dori. In the afternoon head over to Fushimi Inari. - Day 2
Today is the temples tour day: start at the Ryoan-ji temple with its MUST zen garden, then stop at one of the big higlights in Kyoto, the Kinkaku-ji or Golden Temple, and then take a bus to Ginkakuji temple, considered the twin sister of the former. At the Ginkakuji there's a very easy-to-follow sign to the Philosopher's path. Enjoy it for 20 to 30 minutes (admire the cats!) and you will arrive at the Nanzen-ji temple. Head over now to Heian Shrine, and don't miss the gardens, specially if you are visiting during spring, but it is lovely pretty much every season. During the afternoon relax by the Kamo riverside, take snack at the Nishiki market & have at traditional dinner in Pontocho street. You have mastered Kyoto on day 2, ha! - Day 3
Visit Nara during all day and enjoy afterwards Gion's nightlife. If you are even more active, maybe you could squeeze a morning visit to Nijo castle too (they open at 8:45) - Day 4
Arashiyama has a lot to offer so give it 1 day to enjoy it fully.
GION
to walk among geishas into a gorgeous pastGion is what you could consider the city center of Kyoto (in a tourist point of view). The beautifully preserved paved streets around Hanamikoji dori with its wood houses will make you swoon at each step, and everything is so pristine clean that seems unreal (for its perfection). There's a special place called Gion Shirakawa that it's maybe the most perfect street from Gion, and as a plus a good spot to watch Geishas and Maikos walk by to their work. The staff from our hotel called it "the lovely area", and Japanese can't lie! If you are looking for something to eat, this is also your neighborhood.
KYOMIZU DERA
Views, cemetery and a shopping street that's a walk into the pastThe impressive wood structure from the Kyomizu Dera is one of those iconic sights you can't miss in your visit to Kyoto. It's better if you can come here early in the morning as it is quite the popular spot. We got there via the cemetery way, so when the visit finished we walked to Gion along the traditional streets of Matsubara dori & neighboring, once they were already opened (thus, souvenir & snacks opportunities!). Inside the Kyomizu don't forget to purify yourself with Otowa Waterfall. Also bear into account that until 2020 the temple's main hall is under renovation, which affects the"postcard perfect" view of the temple (e.g: our pic on top).
FUSHIMI INARI
the temple of the famous walk of toriiThe Fushimi Inari is a large walk of torii, the orange arches that traditionally mark the entrance of a shrine. It is impressive because it has more than 32.000 torii that run up & down of a hill, all of them are a donation made by particulars & companies to the spirit Inari. In case you wonder why there are lots of foxes statues acting as guardians of the shrine, it's because they are known to be the messengers of Inari. Our recommendation is to make enough time to climb until, at least, the mid of the hill, to avoid the crowds that usually only get to the first road division.
NORTH TEMPLES
Ryoan-ji (zen garden), Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-jiWe are including the three of them together because they are usually visited one next to the other. The Ryoan-ji has a zen garden where you are challenged to find the hidden rocks in it. The Kinkaku-ji, or Golden temple, is the most famous but take into account that it's only visited on the outside to preserve it (we are mentioning because some people is deceived by this!). Finally, the Ginkaku-ji, or Silver temple, is less impressive than its twin sister, but has some amazing gardens. All three are a MUST.
PHILOSOPHER'S PATH
follow the path of the philosopher Nishida Kitaro(In Japanese) Tetsugaku no michi is a 2km path along a canal, built during the Meiji period, that starts at the Ginkaku-ji. The path is lovely any time of the year, but it's specially popular as one of the sakura season spots. We went during autumn and were almost by ourselves all the time, which gave it a plus in charm. Well, I'm lying, some cutie patootie cats walked with us *wink*
KAMO RIVERSIDE
chill out by the riverside, or ride your bike!The river gives a very special mood to Kyoto and also is the perfect rest spot when your legs are feeling the touristy activity. Locals walk their dogs (or bunnies!), their bike from one part to the other and also just sit, eat & talk. It's not weird to find street musics playing instruments too. When you are feeling more relaxed, famous tiny Pontocho street full of good restaurants runs parallel to the river.
EAT
- Izakayas
You can't leave the country without eating at least once in an Izakaya, the famous taverns. Izakayas offer fresh-from-the-market food in a great variety, from soups, to sushi and tempura. Usually you will be seated in the counter which also adds to the experience as you will be able to enjoy the art of the chefs. Take into account that it is usually allowed to smoke inside the izakayas; quite shocking because in Japan it is forbidden to smoke in the street. There are plenty of izakayas, here are our two good addresses: Kappa and Manzara - Yojiya café
No matter how cramped do you like your travel itineraries to be, please make enough time to stop at this café. We ordered a matcha pancake (a MUST) and matcha latte; everything was very yummy. We liked how there was a mix between locals and visitors. Don't forget to buy a tin of matcha cookies to bring home. Oh! their women profile signature logo is adorable. - Sukiyaki Iroha
In those autumn chilly nights there's nothing that will warm you better than a tasty shabu shabu in your belly. A shabu shabu is a fondue (hot pot) with a veggie broth where you boil thin meat slices, mushrooms, tofu and other veggies as well. You eat first the add-ons, but can drink the soup as well afterwards. The restaurant has this individual rooms you can reserve where you eat all alone and in the floor, super traditional and cute. You'll have your waitress entering in the room when there's something to bring or change. Super thumbs up.
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NARA
Deers & the largest buddha inside a templeDEERS DEERS DEERS Ok, in case you are not a crazy enthusiast of the adorable creatures and need a little more rational argument ha! Nara is a World Heritage site with the Todai-ji, a temple holding in their main hall the largest bronze statute of Buddha. If you are feeling more sporty, walk up towards Kasuga-taisha, the temple with hundreds of lanterns. On your way up you'll also find playful deers and stone lanterns with moss (top photography-wise!). Don't miss also to spend some time in the town itself, it's very charming indeed.
ARASHIYAMA
River, monkeys and the templeThis western district of Kyoto is famous for the Instagramable Bamboo Groove. I'm sure you can have a pretty idea of how it looks like, well, now add hundreds of people and that's the reality of it. Unless, you go super early first thing in the morning, or stay late in the afternoon. However, don't miss the other things that Arashiyama can offer, the Tenrui-ji temple is an unique view during autumn (buy both the interior & gardens tickets) and the monkey park is such a fun activity (just, to put you at ease, the monkeys are completely free in the mountain, that's very important to me too).
Osaka
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VISITS
We certainly will have a second date with Osaka. On our first short visit we were able to visit the following musts:
DOTONBORI
the food districtIf Osaka was a mall, Dotonbori would be the food court, ha! The most famous image of the district is the large food figures on top of every shop. It makes very easy to identify what they are serving: a big octopus? takoyaki, a hand holding a nigiri? sushi. Easy peasy. Although the main street is the most flashy, all the little surrounding streets hide also gems. Don't leave Dotonbori without trying takoyaki (octopus puff), okonomiyaki (japanese omelette) and kushikatsu (deep fried sticks); all of them typical from this area.
OSAKA CASTLE
historic calmOsaka castle is also one of those must-see spots during the hanami (cherry blossom) season. We went (in autumn) to see the sunset and it was lovely. We didn't got inside because we read it was completely remodelled with a modern structure. However the park and the outside was a hit of us!
UMEDA BUILDING
stunning viewsInstead of taking pictures on top of the Osaka Castle, we preferred to climb the much higher Umeda Building to enjoy the vibrant Osaka at night. There is a fee to access here, but the overall experience is worthy. There are two floors with views, one inside the building with top chairs for couples to cuddle while watching them (cute), and the one in the outside with a special floating garden observatory. I have to admit that due to my fear of heights this second floor was a little challenging, and so was the impressive clear staircase to climb to the terrace.
DENDEN TOWN
a mini retro AkihabaraIf you have already been to Akihabara you will probably find this neighborhood like its little brother. We visited it on our second trip to Japan (so no Akihabara) and it was nice to be able to step into the merch & manga craziness again. I think the stores here are much more retro looking than in Tokyo. We bought here a Yokai watch for my nephew Samuel, the cutest Rilakkuma soap container and a Harry Potter blind box (quite the mix and match, right?). Take into account that pictures/filming in some areas inside the stores are not accepted, that's an issue that has only happened to us here.
SHINSEKAI
retro futuristicShinsekai, which would translate as a new world, is a neighborhood in the south of Osaka easily recognisable thanks to the Tsutenkaku tower that has become a symbol of Osaka itself. This quarter offers a great variety of restaurants and a retro, colorful, bold aesthetic that it’s very appealing. Don't miss it! Also make sure to try the famous kushikatsu (deep fried sticks).
NAMBA YASAKA SHRINE
the dragon templeIn the middle of a completely common street, just like that you'll find yourself immersed inside an anime/movie location. When we arrived to the shrine, the sound of drums filled everything and saw lots of curious peeking their heads between the torii in the entrance. We were lucky to run into a traditional concert in the shrine, with rums & the transverse flute that added a magical atmosphere to the already imposing 1970s dragon (in fact, it's a lion) head altar.
EAT
- Street Food: Takoyakis
From the three MUST-try foods from Dotonbori, takoyakis should be the first in your list. Takoyakis are little balls of dough with a few slices of octopus inside that are cooked in a special pan. It is quite a show to see how the skilful takoyaki cooks move the balls to cook both sides using sticks. Although the classic is with octopus, there are also varieties like the shrimp takoyakis.We loved this little place between Den Den Town and Dotonbori called Naniwa Ebimaru HonpoCLOSED. (UPDATE LATE 2022) Try our favorites at Dotonbori instead, they are called Takoyaki Juhachiban Dotonbori - Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyakis are usually translated as pancakes, but the most accurate would be scrambled eggs with Japanese cabbage and then lots of of other ingredients to your taste. Okonomiyakis are made in front of you (and in some restaurants, even by yourself) in a big griddle. The restaurants also offer yakisoba which can be eaten as a side, order it with a wrapping omelette. (UPDATE LATE 2022) We can recommend three restaurants, Okonomiyaki Mizuno, Fukutaro and Houzenji Sanpei. - Wagyu beef barbecue
There's more besides Kobe to taste the famous wagyu beef, both Kyoto and Osaka serve Qualified Denomination of Origin beef that you will cook to your taste in a barbecue. The sets include different parts of the cow and have an identifying tag, it is an interesting experience if you eat meat. If not, bear into account that although there are veggies to be eaten as a side, everything is very meat focused. Check Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M. Reservations are required.
FROM HERE YOU CAN ALSO VISIT
HIMEJI
the white heron castleHimeji is probably the most beautiful castle in Japan. It is (rightfully) a World Heritage Site that dates from the 14th century, and it has been preserved in a glorious shape. The castle 5-storey all wood structure (in reality 6 floors, as the top two look like one from the outside, clever!) is an architecture feat, but so are the defensive methods used in the castle, like the different shapes of the loopholes in the keep. People tend to go quickly to the top floors, but if you linger you'll be able to enjoy the castle rooms in your own.
KATSUOJI
Darumas- Coming soon -
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN
Super Nintendo Land & Harry Potter LandI am pretty sure you have heard about this amazing news for Nintendo or video game lovers in general.
- Coming soon -
If you love Harry Potter and haven't visited the parks in Orlando or Florida, USJ will make your day. In addition I was lucky to be the chosen one by the wand at Ollivanders. I think my smile has never been broader ever. Make sure to check out our post because there we have a thorough guide about the Harry Pottter land in the park, but also a pros & cons lists of USJ and useful tips!
TAMA STATION
Cutest trains and station in the worldTama station can be done as a 1-day getaway from Osaka, or on your way to Wakayama. You'll be able to ride beautiful decorated trains and go to the kawaii-est train station in the world, which is dedicated to Tama the cat master station. In our post we explain the cute story that has saved this town from being cut out from the railway line.
Miyajima
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Miyajima: 1 night in Miyajima, guide to avoid the crowds Miyajima: Visit during sakura season |
The island of Miyajima, or to be more accurate Itsukushima, is a must for everyone visiting Japan, it comprises all the good things like a gorgeous shrine floating in the water, deers, old town charm and if you visit during sakura season the most beautiful trees. Since it's a very popular spot, make sure to check our guide if you want to avoid the crowds like we did!
Japan Countryside
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AINOKURA
for the hatched roofs with an alternative twistAinoukura is the gorgeous little sister of the most famous Shirakawago. We visited this tiny village on 2012 when it was almost a completely stranger to non-Japanese travellers; over the years it has gained more visibility & popularity and even the reporters from the famous Japan guide website have agreed on designate it as best 2017 travel spot. Spend a night here to witness rural life & watch the hatched roofs up close. Tip: external visitors are not allowed until 10 AM, so seize the early morning to be the few people wandering around. You'll find more information about our lovely minshuku (traditional guest house on our post, link on top of this section)
NAKASENDO TRAIL
to follow the path of the samuraisThe Nakasendo trail is the ancient route the samurais took to travel from Kyoto to Tokyo, with postal towns along the way to supper & spend the night. This walking route has been preserved and so the towns, that have all the original charm by keeping them without visible electrical wires. You can travel all the route, that will take you days, or just have a taste by going from one town to the next. We went by bus to Magome and then walked towards Tsumago, where we slept in a traditional inn. It's a unique experience. Tip: in Magome look for the post office and send the bags to Tsumago, or like us, send them from one hotel to the next and come here with only a small backpack.
WAKAYAMA: KOYASAN
to soak up in the mystic of buddhismKoyasan is a mountain in Wakayama that is well known because it’s the base of Shingon, one of the major schools of Buddhism, founded by the monk Kobo-Dashi during the Heian (medieval ages) period. One of the typical experiences at Koyasan is to sleep inside a Buddhist temple and join the monks routines. The most important part of Koyasan is the Okunoin cemetery, which is the biggest in Japan (and I bet one of the biggest in the world). It is constructed in a very impressive cedar forest that makes a 2km way towards the Kobo-Daishi mausuleum.
WAKAYAMA: KUMANO KODO
to become a pilgrimThe Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route in the area of Wakayama. We definitely recommend visiting Hongu Taisha shrine, the large torii of Oyunohara (suh a magnificient view!) and end your day having a bath in the onsen town of Yunomine Onsen. We decided to set our home base in Yunomine and from there we booked two activities to enjoy more the Wakayama area: a boat trip along the Kumano river and also we rent electrical bikes and went from Hongu Taisha to Yunomine (it was a delight!). Psst: Yunomine has the oldest recorde onsen in Japan!
WAKAYAMA: NACHI FALLS
Iconic pagoda & waterfallNachi is one of those iconic views in Japan, a temple in top of a mountain with the most astonishing views and with a pagoda that is presenting a sacred waterfall on the back. If you plan to visit Wakayama this is probably what you should put first in the list. You can also walk one of the most beautiful parts of the Kumano Koda trails to get to Nachi, so if you are not a die-hard pilgrim, we would recommend skeeping all the other parts and walk the Daimozaka slope instead.
KYUSHU: FUKUOKA
Coming soon- Coming soon -
KYUSHU: SAGA
Coming soon- Coming soon -
KYUSHU: OITA
Coming soon- Coming soon -
KYUSHU: BEPPU
Coming soon- Coming soon -
YAMAGUCHI: MOTONOSUMI SHRINE & TSUNOSHIMA BRIDGE
Coming soon- Coming soon -
Onsen experience
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(UPDATE LATE 2022)
The first time I decided to went to an onsen, I was a little hesitant since I don't have many experience with spas, I wasn't sure how would it feel like, but now I can't praise it enough. An onsen is a hot spring, but usually the inn/hotel that has those bathing facilities is also called like that. They have some strict rules, like you must bathe naked and that is separated by gender. But then some are mixed, and also in others you can rent a smaller onsen for a few hours.
To experience an onsen there's a large budget range difference, from the ones that are public baths to the private on-suite, so choose what fits better for your trip.
We have been lucky enough to been able to visit three onsens until late 2022: Musouen in Yufuin, Ryokan Adumaya in Yunomine Onsen and Hakone's Takuminoyado. Here they are in case they can be your onsen too.
MUSOUEN
Musouen is located in Yufuin - Oita
The Musouen is a traditional onsen hotel, offering a true traditional hotel experience, including rooms with tatami mats and futons for sleeping, as well as yukatas and sandals for use within the hotel. The onsens are the highlight of the hotel, with one large women's bath (which is amazing), one men's bath divided into two sections, plus two external private baths and two covered private baths. To reach the onsens, you'll be surrounded by beautiful greenery, which is particularly stunning during the autumn season. In addition, each night you'll enjoy a kaisikei dinner with local specialties that are both delicious and traditional, and a traditional breakfast in the morning. It is a splurge that is worthy.
RYOKAN ADUMAYA
Adumaya is located in Yunomine Onsen - Wakayama
Yunomine Onsen is a little town in a valley around a thermal stream that looks like out from a Ghibli film. It was discovered more than 1800 years ago being the oldest onsen in Japan. Our room had views to the river, and we had just a sakura tree in the middle of our room windows. Most rooms (like ours) only have a toilet because then you have the ryokan onsen baths to shower (and of course enjoy a thermal bath!). We used the onsen both days; there’s a rotenburo bath (open air onsen) that switches every day between women and men (quite the norm in all ryokan’s onsens), thus the two of us were able to bath in it! It was super nice.
TAKUMINOYADO
Takuminoyado is located in Hakone - Kanagawa
We looked to many (maybe way too many) and ended up choosing Takuminoyado Yoshimatsu in Hakone, because it had rooms with private onsens in the balcony and, let's admit, because their kaisikei dinner (included in the night) looked completely amazing. Jumping naked at 4º (around 39F) in a 42º (around 108F) natural spring water, while listening to the cricket chirps and surrounded by a garden, was something I don’t really know how to describe; that I felt happy is probably a good approach. It is a splurge that is worthy.
General tips
- For a rail trip like the one proposed here we recommend getting the Japan Rail Pass to save on your budget, it is exclusively sold outside Japan and allows taking as many train rides as you like. Remember that you can reserve seats in any of the Japan Rail (JR) offices, or you can use the non-reserved wagons too an only showing your JR pass at the entrance.
- In order to check the train schedule beforehand use the website Hyperdia, it will even show you which platform should you head to.
- For your rural getaway (Ainokura, Nakasendo, Wakayama), reserve the lodging in advance & take cash with you as they may not accept credit cards.
- We rented a pocket wifi that we could use for both phones at the airport. (UPDATE LAST 2022) For the first three travels ours was from Global Advanced Communication but there are several options such as wifi cards. For the last visit we had to choose a different one because we landed on Sunday and they were closed, so we rented at .... - Coming soon - ....
- Remember to be a mindful & kind traveller, they will be amazingly kind to you so give it back with smiles, bowing and nice words :)
Omg, so beautiful! I dream about seeing Kyoto so much!
Wonderful comprehensive guide! Japan is on the top of my fiancé and I’s travel list, so I will definitely refer back once we are ready to plan a trip.
Jessica
https://fortheliangrun.com/expect-hiking-angels-landing-zion-national-park/
Oh my gosh – one super amazing guide! Super impressed at the effort and detail put into this and so nicely laid out, I imagine it’s going to help lots of people :) :) Amazing you guys!
You seriously helped my case of wanderlust to go sky-high with this post. It looks incredible. I want to go back. And visit everything again and again and again.
Damn, I even can’t wait for the moment you guys go back to Japan so that I can see more of it through your lens. <3
This is fantastic. I didn’t go through everything yet but Yangkyu and I are finally finally hoping to go to Japan next year for our 10 year anniversary. If Lady is all ok health-wise then it’s really happening and we will definitely use this guide. I’ll have to send him the link to go over now though. He’s already looking through Youtube to learn some travel phrases in Japanese! :)
This is Dani, Juno & Damaris.
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