Top Tourist Destinations in Japan: Recommended Itinerary
Browse more guides: Japan travel | Asia destinations Top Tourist Destinations in Japan: Recommended Itinerary I planned my first Japan trip three times before I actually went. The first plan tried to fit Hokkaido, Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa into ten days. The third plan, which I actually used, kept me in five base cities over thirteen days. That third version is what I want to share, because the difference between a tiring Japan trip and a relaxed one is almost entirely about how few times you pack and unpack. Currency note: I paid for everything in yen, and my card settled around USD 1 to JPY 149, roughly USD 0.0067 per yen. I'll use yen throughout, since menus and train fares are priced that way. Why a Multi-City Route Beats a Single Base People sometimes ask if they can just stay in Tokyo and day-trip to Kyoto. Technically yes, but you would spend roughly ¥28,000 round trip and waste two hours each way. Splitting the trip into Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka means e...