First Time Travelers Guide to Japan
My name is Mishana Sturdivant and I run Tad Bit Rad Travels. The purpose of this blog is to share tips, tricks, and recommendations to empower my readers to travel efficiently and unapologetically. I recently traveled to Japan for the first time and was overwhelmed with planning this bucket-list trip. Here is my guide to make the planning process smoother for you.
Japan was a dream destination of mine. As I stepped foot in Narita airport in Tokyo, I was overfilled with excitement and anxiousness. I had an itinerary filled with many activities I had to experience with so little time. I signed up for EF Ultimate Break’s (adult education group trip operator) two-week Japan trip but I wasn’t set to meet my group until a few days later. After navigating Japan’s transit train system and riding an hour into the city, I finally reached my capsule hotel in Shinjuku. There were so many people and bright neon lights at 9 at night. I was exhausted from my 27-hour flight and just wanted some food before sleeping. Little did I know, everyone else was just getting started with their night’s out. I stopped by the highly recommended Ramen Nagi for the most flavorful bowl of ramen that I’ve ever had. I skipped out on the Golden Gai bar hopping experience and passed out to be prepared for the two weeks that I had ahead of me. I will detail my itinerary, my recommendations, and things to consider when traveling to Japan as a first-time traveler.
How to structure your Trip to Japan
I would highly recommend spending a few days in the major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto whilst also providing a few days for day trips to nearby cities such as Nara Park, Mt Fuji, and Kamakura. If you have the time, I would also recommend a few days in a city that is not as crowded or touristy to get a local experience, such as Kobe or the beach town of Okinawa. You may feel the pressure to fit a ton of activities into your itinerary, but I would recommend taking a few days in each city to indulge yourself in the culture of that city. Some people don’t mind being on the go while traveling and having a jam-packed schedule. I would challenge those people to slow down and avoid skimming through their itineraries. There’s so much to experience in Japan. You might miss it by moving too fast and trying to check everything off your to-do list.
For a 7-day trip, I would recommend 2 days in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto each. For a 10-14-day trip, I would recommend 2-3 days in Tokyo (including day trips), 3-4 days in Kyoto (including day trips), 2 days in Osaka, and 2-3 days in Okinawa or another city in Japan of your choice.
When to travel to Japan
I planned to travel during the cherry blossom season mid-spring (March-April). However, when I arrived (end of March), the cherry blossoms had not bloomed yet. The cherry blossoms bloom when they want. The people can’t control the timing. I was happy to be there anyway, so I didn’t mind missing peak bloom. Springtime in Japan is the peak season. The weather is manageable being warm during the day and cooler at night. I would recommend packing a light but warm jacket and a pair of jeans for the cooler days. Summertime in Japan gets hot, and I was recommended not to travel to Japan during that time. Fall (September-October) is great for festivals and manageable weather as well.
How to Pack for Japan
Pack light! I do not recommend checking a bag no matter your length of stay. There is a luggage transfer service that is affordable and will transfer your luggage from hotel to hotel. However, it takes 1-2 days for delivery. Here is what I packed in my carry-on for a 10-day trip to Japan:
10 outfits (mostly dresses) – Dresses are light, breathable, and comfortable for all-day walking
Undergarments and socks
1 pair of comfortable sneakers (I wore these to the airport)
1 warm sweater (I wore this to the airport)
1 leather jacket
1 pouch or fanny pack to carry around hand sanitizer, cash, coin purse, Suica transit card, and other needs.
1 toboggan to keep my head warm on the cooler days/nights
Airplane rest pillows for long-haul flights came in handy because of the hard pillows in hotels
1 portable charger – to keep your phones charged all-day
1 portable WIFI – WIFI seemed to be available everywhere for free. It was also fast and efficient. However, if your cellular service isn’t strong, I recommend buying a SIM and using your portable WIFI. I used my phone quite a bit for GPS instructions and Deep L to translate on the go
Bag of mini toiletries (the key to packing light! Find mini versions of all your essential toiletries)
1 foldable duffle bag – I wish I brought this instead of buying more luggage in Japan. I shopped a ton and checked a bag on my return home.
How to Respect the Culture of Japan
The Japanese are very quiet and considerate. When traveling to Japan, adopt these characteristics. Be quiet on public transit. Put your trash in your bag until you return home for the day. Clean up after yourself. Do not leave your food tray at your dining table unless otherwise told to do so. Stand on the left side of the escalator (sometimes the right side) and walk on the right side. Be prepared to queue and wait your turn. Try not to take up space in common areas. Say please and thank you. Learn a few Japanese words such as Hello, Goodbye, Thank you and I need help.
Things to do in Japan (by city!)
This is not an exhaustive list of everything you should do in Japan. These are a few activities that I made time for and thoroughly enjoyed. Some of these activities can be done in many cities.
In Tokyo, I reserved a traditional tea ceremony. This included a kimono rental that I was able to explore Asakusa in.
Tokyo
Stay overnight at a Ryokan (traditional Japanese hotel)
Stay overnight at a Capsule Hotel
Visit an onsen, natural hot spring pool
Visit Shibuya Crossing (you can spend several hours here to people watch, shopping, and taking touristy pictures. I would recommend eating dinner elsewhere. The food is less expensive and better anywhere else in Tokyo)
Visit Harajuku – I would recommend skipping Takeshita Street because it's overcrowded and the street food can be found everywhere else. Instead, get lost in the many alleyways in Harajuku and the nearby shopping streets.
Visit Asakusa (I stayed in this area. It's further away from all the touristy areas but this area is quiet and has better food options)
Traditional Tea Ceremony (Some prefer to do this in Kyoto, but I did mine in the traditional Asakusa, Tokyo)
Visit Ginza for luxury shopping
Visit Shinjuku for the Golden Gai, bar-hopping
Day Trip to Mt Fuji -I traveled to Hakone and Lake Ashi to view Mt Fuji but many towns provide a good view of Mt Fuji like Lake Kawaguchiko.
Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
Kyoto
Visit Fushimi-Inari Shinto Shrine and the Golden Pavilion
Visit Nishiki market
Visit Arashiyama for the Bamboo forest and take a few hours to explore the area.
Visit the Hokan Ji Buddhist Temple
Tea Ceremony and Kimono rental
Just wander around the City Center and get lost
Sake tasting/ Visit a Sake Brewery
I wish I had time to reserve a Geisha ceremony and a Samurai show but my time in Kyoto went fast.
Osaka
Visit Osaka Castle
Wander around the Shin-Sekai area and try kushikatsu
Wander around the Dotonbori area
Visit Hozen-ji Temple
Where to Stay in Japan
I don’t have recommendations on specific areas to stay in Japan but I will share what to expect. First off, there are different types of accommodations that you should be aware of.
Onsens
There’s an onsen hotel, which is a hotel with a natural hot spring. These hotels are traditional Japanese accommodations that offer guest the opportunity to soak in their hot springs and enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine and hospitality. These types of hotels also offer day passes. Onsens has rules regarding visitors with tattoos, so be prepared to cover them (if it’s allowed) or be denied entry if you have them.
I highly recommend Yuenbettei Daita Onsen. This onsen and hotel offers day passes in case you don’t have time to stay the night. There’s a spa, tea house, and restaurant on site.
Ryokans
These are traditional hotels that offer traditional hospitality. A visitor can expect tatami mat floors, communal baths and spaces, and traditional meals.
To browse available options, visit a Japanese Guest house search engine like this one.
Capsule Hotels
A super unique experience in Japan. Capsule hotels are similar to hostels with communal living spaces but private sleeping spaces. Guest share restrooms, showers, dining and study spaces but they sleep in private small, and comfortable spaces. I would recommend Booth Netcafe and Capsule Hotel, located in the middle of Shinjuku for about $24 a night. However, there are many capsule hotels to choose from. These hotels are clean, quiet, and well-kept. They oftentimes offer free beverages or meals.
Love Hotels
Another type of accommodation to be aware of is Love Hotels. These hotels are short-term stays, often time a few hours, where guests can share private intimate moments with loved ones. These hotels are typically low-priced and can be rented by the hour or overnight. There’s nothing wrong with staying at these types of hotels, but it’s something to be aware of when booking an accommodation that is attractively low price. I would recommend checking the reviews or checking photos to see if the décor is flashy or romantically driven.
Shin-Sekai area in Osaka, Japan 2024
Food Experiences to Enjoy
Japan’s dining unique experiences have made this destination a top one for me. I enjoyed traveling through the country and eating the most unique, fresh, and delicious food. Here are a few experiences that I would recommend.
Visit a street food market – There’s the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, and the Nishiki Market in Kyoto (please remember not to walk and eat food)
Reserve an Omakase – these can range in price but this is an intimate experience where the chef curates fresh sushi in front of you. (This is super popular, reserve in advance or be prepared to wait in line for the popular shops)
Food Tours – I would recommend in Shinjuku or Osaka
Okonomiyaki – your waiter will cook a pancake omelet made of eggs, potatoes, and protein in front of you. The best Okonomiyaki that I’ve had was in Osaka.
Conveyor Belt Sushi – a super convenient way to order and enjoy sushi
Waygu Tasting – please go to a restaurant that specializes in Waygu. I enjoyed Kobe 511 and their 7-course fine dining experience.
711 or Lawsons convenience store visits – these shops are open 24/7 and offer prepared foods and drinks for the low. Breakfast is not common in Japan, but grabbing a bite and coffee at one of the convenience stores was enough for me.
In Conclusion
This is not an extensive guide for Japan. There’s so much to explore and eat that my two-week adventure barely scratches the surface. However, this guide should prepare you for your first trip to the dynamic island. If you’ve been to Japan, what did I miss? What would you add?
