Japan First-Timer Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fuji
Source:
@Jay and Karolina
44 places in Japan featured in a youtube post by Jay and Karolina, verified on Google Maps: Yasaka Jinja, Sannenzaka, Hachikō Memorial Statue, and 41 more.
Yasaka Jinja
Place of worship
4.4
A famous shrine in Kyoto, particularly known for its rows of lanterns. It's an atmospheric location, especially beautiful at night when the lanterns are lit up, creating a tranquil ambiance.
Sannenzaka
Landmark
4.3
A historic and picturesque tourist attraction in Kyoto, known for its traditional wooden houses, small shops, and snack stalls. It's one of Kyoto's most famous streets, offering a charming old-town feel, especially when explored early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Hachikō Memorial Statue
Sculpture
4.3
A popular meeting point in Shibuya, commemorating the loyal Akita dog Hachiko. It's a quick and easy stop before heading to the bustling Shibuya Crossing.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Government office
4.4
One of the best free observation decks in Tokyo, offering expansive views of the city. It's worth a short stop to gain a great sense of Tokyo's vastness during the day.
Nakamise-dori Street
Landmark
4.2
A bustling shopping street leading to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, lined with shops selling souvenirs and street food. It's an ideal place to try classic Japanese snacks and experience a lively traditional market atmosphere, though it can get very busy.
Kaminarimon
Place of worship
4.5
The iconic entrance gate to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, serving as one of Tokyo's most recognizable landmarks. It's a popular spot for photos before proceeding down Nakamise Street towards the main temple complex.
Kiyomizu-dera
Place of worship
4.5
One of Kyoto's most famous temples, known for its large wooden stage that offers sweeping views across the city. In autumn, the surrounding trees turn vibrant shades of red and orange, making the experience even more special. Arriving early is essential to avoid crowds and fully appreciate its beauty.
Sensō-ji
Place of worship
4.5
Tokyo's oldest and most important temple, located in Asakusa. Visitors enter through the Kaminarimon Gate, one of the city's most iconic sights, and can explore the temple grounds, light incense, and soak in the traditional atmosphere.
Meiji Jingu
Place of worship
4.6
A peaceful Shinto shrine located in Shibuya, Tokyo, offering a tranquil start to the day. Visitors can write wishes on small wooden plaques and hang them at the shrine, a simple yet meaningful experience.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Garden
4.6
One of Tokyo's most beautiful green spaces, offering a calm and spacious contrast to the city's busy streets. It's an ideal spot for a gentle stroll and some fresh air, providing a serene escape within the bustling metropolis.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Place of worship
4.6
A highly popular Shinto shrine in Kyoto, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that snake up a mountain. Arriving early is crucial as it gets very busy, very quickly, making a huge difference to the experience of walking through the atmospheric gates.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Place
4.4
A famous bamboo forest in Kyoto, offering a unique and atmospheric experience. Walking through the tall bamboo paths feels completely different from the rest of the city, making it a classic Kyoto moment, though crowds can build up by midday.
Kinkaku-ji
Place of worship
4.5
Also known as the Golden Pavilion, this Buddhist temple in Kyoto is a truly impressive sight. The golden covered pavilion reflected in the surrounding lake, especially on a beautiful day, makes it one of Kyoto's most stunning and photograph-worthy temples.
Takeshita Street
Place
One of Tokyo's busiest and brightest shopping streets in Harajuku, known for its vibrant atmosphere and unique street food. It's a great place to try crepes from Marion Crepes or long potato sticks, but remember to follow local food etiquette and avoid eating while walking.
Narita International Airport
International airport
4.2
One of Tokyo's two main international airports, many long-haul international flights arrive here. It is recommended to withdraw cash and purchase a Welcome Suica card upon arrival for easy travel.
Narita International Airport
International airport
4.2
An international airport in Japan, serving as a major gateway to Tokyo. Travelers should ensure they have local data for their phone, withdraw cash, and get a Welcome Suica card for seamless travel before leaving the airport.
Nara Park
Park
4.5
A vast park in Nara where deer roam freely among visitors. This unique experience allows for close interaction with the deer, including opportunities to feed them special crackers, which can lead to some playful nudging.
Tōdai-ji
Place of worship
4.6
A significant Buddhist temple in Nara, renowned for its impressive scale and the Great Buddha Hall, which houses Daibutsu, one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. Visitors pass through the massive Nandaimon Gate, setting the scale for the awe-inspiring experience within.
Universal Studios Japan
Amusement center
4.5
A popular theme park in Osaka, offering a full day of entertainment. It's known for attractions like Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, providing thrilling experiences for all ages.
Abeno Harukas
Place
4.2
One of the tallest buildings in Japan, offering incredible panoramic views over Osaka from its observation deck, especially beautiful around sunset. It's a must-visit for breathtaking cityscapes.
Namba Yasaka Shrine
Place of worship
4.4
A distinctive shrine in Osaka famous for its giant lion head stage. This unique and visually striking landmark is unlike anything else you'll see in Japan, making it a memorable stop in the city.
Dotonbori
Landmark
4.4
The most iconic area in Osaka, vibrant with neon lights and a lively atmosphere. It's known for its incredible food culture, particularly takoyaki, and its famous Glico Man sign, making it a must-visit for tourists.
Asakusa Gyukatsu
Japanese restaurant
4.7
A highly recommended restaurant in Tokyo famous for its gyukatsu, a breaded and fried beef cutlet served rare. Diners cook the slices themselves on a small hot stone at their table, making for a fun and interactive dining experience.
Marion Crêpes Takeshita Street
Dessert shop
4.0
A classic spot on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, famous for its sweet crepes. Trying a crepe here is considered a rite of passage for first-time visitors to the area.
Shibuya Sky
Observation deck
4.6
An iconic attraction in Tokyo offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Sunset and nighttime slots are particularly popular and often sell out two weeks in advance, so early booking is highly recommended.
Omoide Yokocho
Landmark
4.1
A narrow network of lantern-lit alleyways in Shinjuku, famous for its tiny eateries serving yakitori and other grilled skewers. It's an incredibly atmospheric and social place where people enjoy food and drinks shoulder-to-shoulder, offering a memorable and casual dining experience.
Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport)
International airport
4.3
One of Tokyo's two main international airports, offering convenient access to the city. While not the focus of this video, it's a key entry point for travelers to Japan.
Kabukicho
Place
Shinjuku's bustling entertainment district, known for its vibrant neon-lit streets, bars, clubs, and adult entertainment. While not a typical Japanese experience, it offers a lively atmosphere and is an interesting area to explore after dinner.
Hotou Fudo Kawaguchiko Station
Japanese restaurant
3.9
A renowned restaurant located just outside Kawaguchiko Station, famous for its Hōtō noodles. This local specialty features thick noodles, vegetables, and a rich, warming broth, offering a comforting and authentic regional Japanese culinary experience.
Asakusa
Place
A traditional area in Tokyo and the center of Tokyo's 'shitamachi' (downtown). It's an excellent place to immerse oneself in Japanese culture, history, and everyday life, with notable attractions like Sensoji Temple and numerous traditional shops.
Naruto Taiyaki Hompo
Confectionery store
4.5
A popular shop in Shinjuku offering taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake that is crispy on the outside and filled on the inside. It's a warm, comforting, and delicious sweet treat, perfect for ending an evening in Tokyo.
Demachi Futaba
Confectionery store
4.4
One of Kyoto's most famous traditional sweet shops, known for its freshly made mochi. With over 120 years of history, it's a popular stop for both locals and tourists, often drawing long queues to watch the mochi being prepared behind the counter.
Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya
Coffee shop
4.4
A unique Starbucks location in Kyoto, housed within a traditional machiya (townhouse). Guests can enjoy their drinks while seated on tatami mats, offering a distinct and culturally immersive coffee experience unique to Kyoto.
Ueno
Place
A vibrant district in Tokyo that comes alive at nighttime, especially around the station and under the train lines. It's a great area for enjoying numerous izakayas and casual restaurants, offering a lively yet not overwhelming atmosphere perfect for a cultural evening.
curry & tempura koisus
Japanese curry restaurant
4.7
A Japanese curry restaurant in Kyoto known for its unique spice curry presentation. Diners typically receive two types of curry (a lighter, sweet minced meat and a richer, vegan bean-based) served with rice and five types of pickles, often accompanied by fresh tempura.
Hoppy Street
Place
A lively and traditional street in Asakusa, filled with small eateries where visitors can enjoy local food and drinks. It's a fun choice for experiencing a local side of Tokyo's nightlife, offering a relaxed atmosphere without being overwhelming.
Ichiran
Ramen restaurant
4.5
A popular ramen restaurant chain in Japan known for its unique dining experience in individual booths. Visitors order from a vending machine at the entrance and can customize their tonkotsu ramen to their exact preferences, focusing solely on the delicious and affordable meal.
Benitsuru Pancake
Restaurant
4.1
A very popular breakfast spot in Asakusa, famous for its incredibly thick, soft, and fluffy Japanese pancakes. Be prepared to queue from around 6 AM just to get a reservation, as this place is highly in demand.
Cat Cafe MOCHA Harajuku
Cat cafe
4.0
A cat cafe located in Harajuku, providing visitors with an opportunity to interact with cats while enjoying a beverage. It's a popular attraction on Takeshita Street for those looking for a unique animal encounter.
Rikuro’s Namba Main Branch
Pastry shop
4.2
A famous cheesecake shop in Osaka, known for its warm, fluffy cheesecakes baked fresh throughout the day. This light, not-too-sweet cake is a perfect mid-afternoon snack to keep you energized while exploring the city.
Japanese Tea Shop & Cafe Premium & Health MARUZEN Tea Roastery Asakusa Matcha | Ice Cream | Gelato
Cafe
4.9
A matcha tea shop and cafe in Asakusa that specializes in high-quality Uji matcha. It's a great place to slow down and enjoy a proper, unsweetened matcha experience, with friendly staff and excellent products including matcha ice cream and Mont Blanc.
Harajuku Mame Shiba Cafe
Cafe
3.7
A popular pet cafe on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, offering an opportunity to interact with Shiba dogs. These types of animal cafes are a unique part of the Harajuku experience.
mipig cafe Harajuku Takeshita Street
Place
4.9
A popular micro pig cafe on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, offering a unique and adorable experience. It's highly recommended to book in advance through platforms like Klook due to its popularity.
Fujiyama cookie
Pastry shop
4.2
A shop near Kawaguchiko Station where you can purchase Mount Fuji-shaped cookies. They are baked fresh on-site and make for an easy and delicious souvenir to take home.